Torrential storms in southern Brazil have led to devastating floods and mudslides, resulting in a death toll of 56 people, with 67 others reported missing.
The civil defense agency confirmed the escalating situation, with rising water levels in Rio Grande do Sul causing concerns over dam integrity and necessitating evacuations in Porto Alegre.
Rescue efforts are hindered by flooded towns and damaged infrastructure, leaving many areas inaccessible.
Rio Grande do Sul has seen extensive storm damage, with thousands displaced and injuries reported.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pledged full support for recovery efforts, attributing the disaster to climate change.
Climatologists highlight the combination of global warming and the El Nino weather pattern as contributing factors to the extreme weather events in the region.
