Death toll at 100 in Brazilian floods

​​​​​​​By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY(AA) - The Brazilian Civil Defense said Wednesday that deaths caused by heavy rains and flooding in the southeastern state of Rio Grande do Sol have reached 100 with 128 missing and 372 injured in 417 cities.

Across the state, 1.45 million people have been affected by floods or landslides.

As of Wednesday, the Civil Defense counted 66,761 people who had to leave their homes because of heavy rains.

The government estimates, however, that 159,036 citizens have been displaced by rains.

In response, federal and state governments have announced a substantial allocation of resources to address the emergency and those affected.

Gov. Eduardo Leite announced a relief package of more than $39 million.

Leite wrote on X that the judiciary transferred more than $11 million to the state civil defense.

President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva announced Tuesday that more than $140 million had been so far destined for Rio Grande do Sol.

Leite, however, warned that the upcoming weather might further worsen the crisis.

"The forecast for the next few days is not encouraging and points to the arrival of a cold front that should cause thunderstorms and lower temperatures in all regions, starting on Wednesday. It is very important to note that the alert has now been extended to the southern part of the state," Leite wrote on X.