At least 13 people have been killed and 21 are missing after heavy rains drenched southern Brazil, prompting a state government to send rescue helicopters in search of stranded residents, the authorities said on Thursday.
The torrential rains that poured over the state of Rio Grande do Sul in recent days were well above normal for this time of year, according to experts.
The rains swelled rivers across the state’s low-lying central valley region, flooding towns, causing a bridge to collapse, blocking roads and setting off mudslides.
One town, Canudos do Vale, was left isolated with no electricity or communication.
In the town of Candelária, residents awaited rescue helicopters on the roofs of their flooded homes.
Organizations:
National Institute of Meteorology, The New York Times
Locations:
Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, Canudos, Candelária