The mayor of Porto Alegre, Brazil, issued a desperate plea to residents as the city grapples with a severe water crisis following major flooding. Four-fifths of the population in Porto Alegre is currently without running water, with five out of six water treatment facilities out of operation.
Efforts are underway to rescue people stranded by the floods in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, as more rains are forecasted for the region in the coming days. The mayor has decreed that water should only be used for essential consumption, as public health experts warn of a growing risk of disease in the submerged region.
Residents are fleeing the area amid fears of shortages and disease, while main access roads in Porto Alegre remain blocked by floodwaters. A looming cold front is expected to bring more severe rain, further complicating relief efforts.
The flood disaster has already forced more than 150,000 people from their homes, prompting President of Brazil and other officials to visit the affected area. Security concerns have also arisen, with police increasing operations to prevent looting and theft.
The crisis is likely to impact the country’s food supplies, particularly rice production in Rio Grande do Sul. The situation remains dire as officials work around the clock to provide aid to those affected by the devastating floods in Porto Alegre.
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