Over the past weekend, southern Brazil faced a devastating non-tropical hurricane that escalated quickly, leaving a rising death toll. The latest official bulletin updates put the number of fatalities at 42, with 25 people still unaccounted for. The hardest hit region remains Rio Grande do Sul, the country’s southernmost state, reporting 41 deaths, an increase of five from the previous day. One additional death was confirmed in the neighboring Santa Catarina area. Reporters note that the turn of events has disrupted communities across the borderland area and tested regional emergency response capabilities.
In Rio Grande do Sul, more than ten thousand residents were displaced as floods inundated homes and damaged critical infrastructure. A total of 83 municipalities reported impacts, with 10,551 people forced to leave their homes. Muçum Municipality emerged as the most severely affected area where 15 people died and 9 remained unaccounted for after the Taquari River surged, flooding the surrounding districts. Civil Defense reports indicate that Arroio do Meio and Lajeado also flagged missing persons numbers, with eight unaccounted for in each locality. Floodwaters also triggered road closures, affecting at least 16 highways due to bridge damage and water overflows, effectively hampering mobility and daily life for thousands. These conditions have placed a heavy burden on local services and disaster relief operations. Source: Civil Defense coordination updates.
On the ground, Brazilian Navy reconnaissance and rescue teams have been mobilized to assist overwhelmed communities. Local residents who sought higher ground found themselves in precarious situations, climbing onto rooftops in search of safety as flood levels rose. Maritime and air assets have been deployed to support rescue missions, with crews coordinating to reach stranded citizens and deliver essential supplies where access remained blocked by floodwaters. Source: Navy rescue operations and regional authorities.
To address the ongoing crisis, regional authorities declared a state of disaster earlier this week. Officials described the situation as the worst natural disaster in the history of Rio Grande do Sul, underscoring the severity of the floods, cascading damage to housing and infrastructure, and the strain on emergency services. Civil Defense issued fresh alerts for anticipated storms, heavy rainfall, electrical discharges, further flooding, potential hail, and strong winds as a cold front advances. The weather outlook emphasizes continued risk through the coming days and the need for preparedness across communities. Source: Civil Defense alerts and regional government statements.
It is noted that in June, Rio Grande do Sul endured another hurricane event, which claimed 16 lives and marked the most deadly hurricane on record for the state up to that point. The recurrence of extreme weather in this region highlights broader concerns about climate-related variability and the capacity of local systems to respond swiftly to rapid flood surges. Authorities continue to monitor waterways, issue ongoing safety guidance, and coordinate with neighboring states to manage the humanitarian impact and sustain rescue efforts. Source: historical records and state authorities.