A devastating storm has resulted in the loss of at least a dozen lives in southeastern Brazil, primarily affecting the mountainous regions of Rio de Janeiro state. Authorities have responded by mobilising rescue teams to manage what they describe as a critical situation in the aftermath of the storm.This catastrophic event unfolds amid a series of extreme weather occurrences across Brazil, with experts attributing these phenomena to climate change. The impact has been particularly severe in Rio de Janeiro, where eight fatalities have been confirmed, while neighbouring Espirito Santo reports four deaths and seven individuals missing.President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva acknowledged the severity of the situation, noting the heightened risk of such environmental disasters due to climate change. He expressed solidarity with the victims and affirmed his governments collaboration with local authorities to address flood damage and assist those affected.Further north in Espirito Santo, Governor Renato Casagrande described the situation as chaotic, particularly in Mimoso do Sul, where fatalities are still being accounted for.The storms impact extended to Sao Paolo State, where two children were hospitalised due to storm-related injuries. Rio Governor Claudio Castro declared a critical situation in Petropolis, emphasising the urgent need for relief efforts and rescue operations as the Quitandinha River overflowed.Rescue missions involving soldiers and search dogs were dispatched, and temporary shelters were set up in schools to accommodate displaced residents. The magnitude of the disaster is evident in images of torrents of water, mudslides, and submerged neighbourhoods captured by local media and emergency responders.This recent storm follows a record-breaking heatwave, underscoring the intensifying climate challenges faced by Brazil. Authorities had preemptively declared a holiday and advised residents to remain indoors as the storm approached, highlighting the necessity of preparedness and mitigation strategies in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns.
