Torrential rains are currently battering various regions of Brazil, leading to widespread flooding and increasingly uncontrollable conditions.
In the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, the death toll from the heavy rains has risen to 29 as of Thursday night, with 60 others still reported missing, according to the state's civil defence agency.
Initially, the agency had reported 13 deaths and 21 missing due to the rains. The floods have left Rio Grande do Sul completely inundated, with many areas cut off from communication.
Following the dire conditions caused by the floods, the Civil Defence Agency has indicated that the death toll may rise further. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited the state on Thursday to meet with local officials and express his solidarity.
He wrote on the social media platform 'X', "Our government will make every possible effort to meet the needs of those affected by the rains."
The Civil Defence Agency has reported that due to the rains, over 10,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. The rain, which started on Monday, is expected to continue until Friday.
Due to the heavy rainfall, authorities have urged people to move to higher ground. The situation is such that thousands are waiting to be rescued from their flood-affected homes.
According to the Civil Defence bulletin, 154 cities have been impacted by this natural disaster.