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The death toll from severe storms and flooding in south Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state has climbed to 75, according to the latest report by the Civil Defense agency. Since April 29, relentless rains have submerged vast areas, leading to widespread devastation and displacement. At least 155 individuals have sustained injuries, with 103 still reported missing, while 107,600 residents have been evacuated to safety across 334 municipalities out of the state's total 496, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The record downpours have inflicted unprecedented flooding in Porto Alegre, the state capital, where the overflowing Guaiba River has submerged neighborhoods. Thousands of residents have been affected, compelled to evacuate via boats or seek refuge on rooftops, awaiting rescue efforts, including helicopter operations. Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite has likened the situation to a "war scene," underscoring the severity of the crisis gripping the region.