More rain expected in Brazil as death toll rises from floods

At least 113 people died during the prior week’s heavy rain and flooding in southern Brazil, the country’s civil defense agency said Friday. Nearly 150 other people remained missing on Friday as the country braced for more rain over the weekend. The flooding injured over 750 people and displaced nearly 400,000, with nearly 2 million affected.

How much rain is forecast? Over five inches of rain were forecast to fall in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul between Friday and Monday, according to INMET, the national meteorology institute. Winds were forecast to reach speeds above 18 mph through Monday before a Tuesday slowdown, INMET said.

How has search and rescue gone after the first flood? Soldiers are searching by helicopter to rescue people from difficult-to-access locations, the Brazilian Defense Ministry said. They have described scenes of debris, people on roofs, and lots of water. Last week’s rain continued for days, which made aerial rescues difficult because of decreased visibility, said Lieutenant-Colonel Aviator Kleison Roni Reolon. The Brazilian Navy has aided in the rescue, sending in 40 marines and the largest ship in Latin America, the Atlantic Multipurpose Aircraft Ship. Forces will not leave until the last person is saved, said Captain of Sea and War Dirlei Donizettes. Nearly 70,000 people were in emergency shelters, while over 300,000 others remain homeless.

Despite the commitment of rescuers, others have abused the emergency. Nearly 50 people have been arrested for looting and other crimes, six of whom were arrested on suspicion of committing sexual abuse in emergency housing shelters, according to Brazilian state news.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report in The Sift on heavy rains displacing Brazilians just over a year ago.