Death toll rises to three after torrential rains in southern Brazil

SAO PAULO, June 20 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from this week's torrential rains and flooding in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to three, with one person still missing, civil defense authorities said Friday.

The state, which borders Argentina and Uruguay, had endured the worst climate disaster in its history in May and June 2024, when flooding killed at least 184 people, left over 20 missing, and submerged 90 percent of its territory.

According to the latest report from the Civil Defense, the third confirmed fatality occurred in the municipality of Sapucaia do Sul due to storm-related flooding as rivers overflowed across much of the state.

At least 6,000 people have been evacuated in multiple cities, including Canoas, the largest municipality neighboring the state capital, Porto Alegre.

Local officials reported damage to infrastructure in at least 98 municipalities as a result of the heavy rains and floods. Several cities have declared a state of emergency.

The most critical area remains along the Taquari River, where at least 17 municipalities have suspended school and public activities. ■