- author, emily atkinson
- role, bbc news
-
Massive flooding and landslides caused by days of heavy rain have killed 55 people in Brazil's southernmost state, local authorities said.
Authorities said another 74 people were missing in Rio Grande do Sul state.
Nearly 25,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes since the storm began last Saturday.
At least 500,000 people are without power and clean water, with more rain expected.
Civil defense authorities in Rio Grande do Sul state say 55 deaths have been confirmed to be related to the floods, and a further seven deaths are being investigated to confirm a link. Announced.
Extreme weather events are caused by a rare combination of higher than average temperatures, high humidity, and strong winds.
More than half of the state's 497 cities were affected by the storm, with roads and bridges destroyed in several areas.
The storm also caused landslides and the collapse of a hydroelectric dam near the city of Bento Gonçalves, killing 30 people.
A second dam in the area is also at risk of collapse due to rising water levels, authorities said.
In the regional capital, Porto Alegre, the Guaiba River burst its banks, flooding roads and submerging some neighborhoods.
Porto Alegre International Airport has suspended all flight operations for an “undetermined” period.
One resident said the damage was “heartbreaking”.
Maria Luisa told the BBC: “I live in this area and I feel sorry for everyone who lives here. It's very sad and it's unfortunate that something like this is happening. ” he said.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visited the region and pledged support from the central government.
Meteorologists predict more rain in the region as a cold front moves through the area.
Last year, cyclones killed more than 30 people in Rio Grande do Sul state.
Brazil's National Meteorological Institute attributed the increase in rainfall amount and frequency to the climate phenomenon El Niño.