Heavy rain and strong winds: at least 21 dead in Brazil

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According to the latest information from the authorities, at least 21 people have died in the severe storms in the south of Brazil. The government of the state of Rio Grande do Sul announced this on Wednesday evening (local time).

Another person died in the neighboring state of Santa Catarina. There is great devastation in the affected region, entire communities are under water, Governor Eduardo Leite said, according to the announcement. You should expect more deaths. He warned: heavy rain is forecast again in the coming days.

The flooded area is located northwest of Porto Alegre, the capital of the state in southern Brazil. Fourteen people died in the small town of Muçum on the Taquari River alone, according to the announcement. Residents there had to be rescued from their roofs because of the flooding, news portal G1 reports. Schools, shops and hospitals were also flooded. Another nine people were killed in Roca Sales, south of Muçum.

“I had to hold back my tears several times”

The affected area has been hit by heavy rain and strong winds since Monday. Rivers overflowed their banks. Entire areas were flooded. Thousands of people had to leave their homes and seek safety.

66 cities were affected by the storms. “I have had to hold back tears several times,” Leite said in view of the devastation and flooding, the announcement said. He had already expressed his condolences to the bereaved and promised their support. (SDA)

Source: Blick