143 killed, 125 missing in flash floods in Brazil

KABUL (Pajhwok): At least 143 people have been killed and 125 others missing as flash floods triggered by heavy rains hit Rio Grande do Sul state of Brazil, media reports said on Monday.

The Brazil government had allocated around 12.1 billion reais ($2.34 billion) in emergency spending to deal with the crisis that has displaced more than 538,000 people in the state, out of a population of around 10.9 million, Reuters reported.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the state will rebuild what was destroyed.

He said: “We know that not everything can be recovered, mothers have lost their children and children have lost their mothers.”

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden also issued a statement, saying that his administration is in contact with Brazil's government to provide assistance.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people impacted by this tragedy and the first responders working to rescue and provide medical care to families and individuals," said Biden.

More rain fell on Sunday and is expected on Monday. Less than two weeks after the rains began, the state is again on alert with the risk of water rising once more to record levels on the Guaiba lake, near the capital Porto Alegre.

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