SAO PAULO (NEWSnet/AP) — Heavy rain and flooding in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul killed 37 people, with another 74 still missing.
Flooding has surpassed damage brought by a 1941 deluge, according to Brazilian Geological Service. In some cities, water level is at its highest since record-keeping began nearly 150 years ago, the agency said.
On Thursday, a dam at a hydroelectric plant between the cities of Bento Goncalves and Cotipora collapsed and cities in the Taquari River valley, including Lajeado and Estrela, were overtaken by water.
In the town of Feliz, 50 miles from the state capital, Porto Alegre, a massively swollen river swept away a bridge that connected it with Linha Nova.
Officials reported interruption of electricity, telephone service, internet and water utilities throughout the state. More than 23,000 people had to leave their homes, according to the civil defense agency.
The downpour started Monday and is expected to continue at least through Saturday, said Marcelo Seluchi, chief meteorologist at National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters.
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