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The death toll caused by devastating floods in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul rose to 143, with more than 800 people wounded and 125 others missing, the local civil defense authorities said on Sunday.

The heavy rain has affected more than 2.11 million people in 446 cities in Rio Grande do Sul and displaced about 618,000 people.

Downpours began on April 29 and continued Sunday.

Two weeks of record rainfall that has unleashed flooding and mudslides across the state. 446 towns have witnessed dramatic scenes of survivors rescued from floodwaters, including in the state capital Porto Alegre, where the Guaiba River burst its banks, inundating more than half of the city.

As the flood water has yet to recede, people are seeking refuge in shelters across Rio Grande do Sul.

In Canoas, many left their homes before the floodwaters arrived. As further inundation remains a risk, especially with the rain returning to the region, they continue taking shelter at a campus of the Lutheran University of Brazil.
"We decided to leave earlier because many people couldn't escape in time. We took whatever we could and left," said Lisiane Machado, a nurse.

Rescue is underway in the state, with a focus on managing the current emergency, but the rain and wind made it difficult to conduct search and rescue operations, which are carried out using all possible means by rescue workers and volunteers.

SHOTLIST:

Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil - Recent
1. Aerial shots of flooded houses;
2. Various of rescuers transfer saved dogs from boats;
3. Aerial shot of flooded house, rescue boats;
4. Flooded houses;
5. Various of displaced residents in shelter;
6. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Lisiane Machado, nurse:
"We decided to leave earlier because many people couldn't escape in time. We took whatever we could and left.";
7. Various of displaced people taking shelter at Brazil's Lutheran University (ULBRA);

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - May 8, 2024
8. Various of volunteers in rescue operation.

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