The ongoing toll from the non-tropical cyclone that swept through southern Brazil has risen to 128 fatalities, a figure confirmed by official agencies on Wednesday. Authorities indicated that six additional victims were located in the preceding hours as search teams extended their operations across impacted zones.
In Rio Grande do Sul, one municipality in particular reported the discovery of multiple bodies, adding to the grim count. Civil Defense officials said the numbers reflect victims found within a broader network of damaged areas where the wind and floodwaters left little behind but debris and sorrow.
Rio Grande do Sul, a state nestled along the frontier with Argentina and Uruguay, bore the brunt of the storm. It has accounted for the bulk of the deaths and widespread destruction, with new victims confirmed and relief measures unfolding in real time. Authorities estimate that around 20 thousand residents have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in shelters or with relatives as efforts to restore basic services continue.
In the neighboring state of Santa Catarina, a separate casualty was reported when a tree collapsed onto a vehicle during the high winds. The incident underscores how rapidly severe weather can translate into life‑threatening hazards for people on the move and those indoors alike.
Governor Eduardo Leite of Rio Grande do Sul stated that rescue operations are now concentrating on the Pardo River Valley, where the potential for further discoveries remains. He underscored the need for sustained vigilance and multi‑agency coordination to locate survivors and deliver aid to communities cut off by floodwaters and road closures.
From the governor’s perspective, the immediate priority is to support first responders and civil defense teams, who have been working around the clock to clear debris, deliver food and water, and restore electricity in the most affected neighborhoods. He stressed that every life lost is a tragedy and that the state will continue all feasible rescue efforts in the affected areas, while praising the thousands of residents who have already been helped by emergency responders, volunteers, and neighboring municipalities.
Across roughly sixty municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, the storm left a path of damage that disrupted communication networks, damaged housing, and flooded large tracts of land. Heavy rain and strong winds created a landscape of isolated towns, where residents reported entire communities cut off after rivers swelled and bridges failed. Civil Defense officials noted that 15 of the 21 confirmed fatalities in the state were linked to flood‑related mudslides, highlighting how rapidly rainfall can alter a landscape and threaten shelter and safety.
The recent events mark the continuation of a pattern observed over the past several months, when this region experienced multiple weather extremes. The current cyclone follows a sequence of storms that have affected the area since last June, bringing similar disruptions and civilian risk. In June, another hurricane pathway led to a higher death toll and large displacement, with tens of thousands seeking refuge, followed by a July recurrence that caused injuries and widespread power outages. August brought relief in terms of damage but did not erase the memory of the earlier episodes for communities preparing for the possibility of future storms.
As authorities monitor river levels and weather forecasts, residents are urged to observe safety guidelines, listen to official updates, and avoid nonessential travel in affected corridors. Rescue teams continue to work with local authorities to assess structural stability, identify vulnerable households, and transport essential supplies. The situation remains dynamic, with new information expected as teams extend patrols and reach more isolated districts. The ongoing response reflects a broad mobilization of state agencies, municipal administrations, and emergency volunteers who are adapting to shifting conditions and the evolving needs of survivors and evacuees. This event serves as a reminder that climate‑related extremes can impact crowded urban zones and rural outposts alike, demanding coordinated and compassionate responses from all levels of government and civil society.