Rome, 9 May. (askanews) – The symbolic statue of Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer, was illuminated to remember the victims of the floods in southern Brazil, in Rio do Grande Sul, the worst natural disaster that has ever hit the region, with torrential rains which resulted in at least 100 deaths, over 370 injured and at least 130 missing, according to the authorities’ latest toll.
On the statue, a message asking for help: “SOS Rio Grande do Sul – Every donation makes a difference”. The damage caused by the floods is incalculable. Residents had to abandon their homes and gathered in a makeshift camp along a deserted highway. Porto Alegre, which has 1.4 million inhabitants and more than 400 localities, were hit by the exceptionally violent storm, forcing more of 163,000 people to flee. Rescue efforts also continue to be difficult due to further rain. And the death toll could worsen. .
