Deadly Floods Hit Southern Brazil As Rescue Operations Intensify

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 28: Severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall swept across parts of southern Brazil, leaving dozens dead and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes as rescue teams intensified emergency operations.

Authorities said rivers overflowed after days of continuous rain, damaging roads, bridges, homes, and public infrastructure in multiple towns. Emergency shelters were set up for displaced families as rescue workers used boats and helicopters to reach stranded residents.

Local officials warned that weather conditions could worsen in some areas, increasing the risk of landslides and further flooding. Schools and businesses remained closed in heavily affected districts.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with affected communities and promised federal assistance for rescue and recovery operations. Additional emergency personnel and relief supplies were dispatched to disaster hit regions.

Meteorological agencies attributed the extreme weather to changing climate patterns that have contributed to increasingly severe rainfall events in South America.

Humanitarian organisations appealed for urgent aid, including food, clean water, medicines, and temporary shelter materials for displaced populations.

Residents described scenes of devastation as floodwaters submerged residential neighbourhoods and vehicles. Several families reported losing homes and personal belongings overnight.

Environmental experts warned that deforestation and poor urban planning may have worsened the impact of flooding in vulnerable areas.

Authorities urged people living near rivers and unstable hillsides to evacuate immediately if conditions deteriorate further.