A severe storm has hit Brazil and triggered floods and landslides in its southeastern portion, leaving hundreds homeless and the death toll rising. Thousands of residents have also been forced to flee.

The most affected states are Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, with rescuers racing to rescue trapped citizens and search for possible survivors. Dozens of soldiers, firefighters, and rescue dogs have already been deployed, with rescue operations still underway.

The scenes in these affected areas have been described by authorities as "chaotic," with over 5,400 people being forced to evacuate. Around 270 homes have already been destroyed, a lot of which came from when a landslide hit the popular tourist destination of Petropolis in Rio de Janeiro state, killing at least four people, per DW.

Around 90 people have been rescued across Rio de Janeiro state so far, with many more trapped under rubble still being rescued. However, more rain is expected to hit the region as rescuers race to keep them alive.

Brazil President Lula has acknowledged that the heavy rain Brazil is experiencing during its late summer season was an effect of climate change. He also pledged that the government would continue to work with state and local officials to "protect, prevent and repair flood damage."

Brazil Flood Death Toll Rises to 25

Many of the deaths were also in the two most affected states of Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. The death toll from the heavy rains and the flooding and landslide that it caused has now reached 25. According to authorities, 15 of those 25 deaths came from Espirito Santo, with 13 of them coming from the town of Mimoso do Sul alone. Eight deaths were reported to have come from Rio de Janeiro state.

However, according to the Associated Press, mayors and governors from all over Southeastern Brazil have been raising the alarm and warning residents that the heavy rains would be causing problems like landslides and heavy flooding. The alarm has been sounded since Thursday and is still going on, with more rain expected to come.

Rescue teams were reportedly forced to stop working on Friday because of the risk of new landslides. Their efforts finally restarted on Saturday afternoon, however.

Dramatic Rescue as Brazil Rescue Personnel Pull Out 4-Year-Old Girl from the Mud

One of the most harrowing images that came from this recent downpour was when rescuers managed to pull a 4-year-old girl out of the mud after a landslide destroyed several homes in the city of Petropolis in Rio de Janeiro state, just 69 kilometers (43 miles) north of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

The girl lived in one of the houses destroyed by the landslide, and according to the Associated Press, she managed to survive after her father protected her with his body. However, her father did not survive and was one of the four casualties in that tragic event.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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