Explore stories from Atlantic Canada.
SAO PAULO - The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul rose to 13, local authorities said on Thursday, as the state government declared a state of public calamity to handle the dramatic situation.
The storms, which have caused the greatest devastation in the state in recent years, also left 21 people missing and 5,257 displaced in 134 cities, according to Rio Grande do Sul's civil defense.President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to fly over the affected areas and meet with Governor Eduardo Leite later on Thursday in Santa Maria, which has seen three deaths, the most so far in one place.
In a video posted on social media, Leite called for coordination in the efforts to rescue people, asking for"full force," as he declared a state of public calamity citing the risk faced by the state as a result of climate events. Lula told Leite in a call late on Wednesday he would send as many men as necessary to help deal with the situation, according to the president's office.
The Rio Grande do Sul floods are just the latest recent natural disasters in Brazil. The state had already been battered by a tropical cyclone last September, when more than 30 people were killed.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Death toll from rains in southern Brazil climbs to 13, Lula visits regionExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
Brazil's Lula asserts no tax exemptions for the wealthy, pledges relief for workersExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
Brazil's Lula asserts no tax exemptions for the wealthy, pledges relief for workersExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
Brazil’s Fiscal Woes Ramp Up Pressure on Lula’s Finance ChiefFrom prison to the presidency, Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has turned to one ally more than any other in moments of need: Fernando Haddad, the once and potentially future political heir he named his finance minister.
Read more »
Crisis in Brazil’s Congress Gives Lula $18.5 Billion in New Fiscal HeadachesTensions between President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s administration and Brazil’s Congress are threatening to deal significant setbacks to the government’s efforts to shore up public accounts.
Read more »
Brazil's Lula recognizes two more Indigenous lands, but postpones four othersExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »