Southern Brazil hit by the worst floods in more than 80 years

FRANCE 24 English

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00:00 These residents of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state, are among thousands who

00:05 have taken refuge in shelters after being forced from their homes by torrential rains

00:10 battering the area.

00:11 "I lost everything. I lifted some furniture that I could, but I believe I lost everything.

00:18 I really am desperate."

00:19 "There are many people who have lost their lives. I raise my hands to the sky and thank

00:27 God that I'm still alive. Now I'm just asking God to give me another home to live in."

00:34 The storms have transformed streets into rivers in several towns, as well as giving rise to

00:45 landslides and the partial collapse of a dam structure at a hydroelectric power plant.

00:51 According to authorities, dozens of people have been killed and at least 24,000 have

00:56 been displaced.

00:58 "It's the worst disaster ever recorded in the history of Rio Grande do Sul. Perhaps

01:05 one of the biggest disasters the country has ever seen, at least in recent history. And

01:10 it's extremely distressing because the weather has been unrelenting since Monday."

01:19 The state is situated between polar and tropical atmospheres. Consequently, it experiences

01:25 a weather pattern with bouts of heavy rain and others of drought.

01:29 The pattern has grown more intense due to climate change, according to local scientists.

01:34 President Lula has promised that the government will back rescue and rebuilding efforts.

01:38 [BLANK_AUDIO]

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