Devastating Torrential Rainstorms Cause Worst Flooding in Brazil in 80 Years
The recent torrential rainstorms in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state have left a trail of destruction, with the worst flooding the country has seen in 80 years. The devastation caused by the heavy rainfall has led to many deaths, the displacement of thousands of families, and significant damage to homes and infrastructure.
Central parts of Rio Grande do Sul were hit the hardest, with unofficial weather stations recording 50-100cm of rain over the past week. Widespread floods and landslides have occurred, with a small hydroelectric dam even partially collapsing, sending a 2-metre-high wave through the surrounding area. At least 57 deaths have been reported, 24,000 people have been displaced, and an estimated 500,000 are without power and clean water.
Experts attribute the heightened rainfall to a combination of global heating and the recent El Niño phenomenon, which has caused waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean to become warmer. This catastrophic event serves as a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on extreme weather events.
The effects of the heavy rainfall are not limited to Brazil, as neighboring Uruguay is also bracing for intense storms this week. In East Africa, the ongoing catastrophic rainfall, also partially attributed to El Niño, has caused devastating flooding in Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Rwanda, and Burundi, resulting in over 400 deaths and almost 250,000 people being displaced.
Tanzania, in particular, was hit by an unusually powerful tropical storm named Hidaya, which strengthened to tropical cyclone status before making landfall south of Dar es Salaam. This rare event, so close to the equator, brought winds of up to 80mph and waves 2 meters high, causing further devastation in the region.
As we witness the devastating impact of these extreme weather events, it is crucial to recognize the urgent need for global action to address climate change and its consequences. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the recent flooding, and we must work together to build resilience and adapt to a changing climate.