Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil - Recent

[Note: partially no sound]

Storyline:
Although the heavy rainfall that ravaged southern Brazil has abated, high floodwaters remain in Porto Alegre, the capital of the Rio Grande do Sul state.

Over 600,000 people have been evacuated from the region amid ongoing and extensive rescue efforts.

Since April 29, three weeks of relentless floods have ravaged southern Brazil. Vast areas remain submerged, displacing residents and leaving a path of destruction. Experts warn the receding of waters could take weeks, posing a significant challenge to recovery efforts.

Laura Cardos, a driver, has become a community volunteer in one of the hardest-hit areas, helping evacuate trapped locals by boat. Together with her partners, she has helped more than 500 residents reach safety and rescued hundreds of animals.

Many neighborhoods in the state are now surrounded by floodwaters, and the risk of new flooding remains high.

In Sao Leopoldo, a few kilometers north of the state capital, some residents insist on staying in their homes to prevent theft and to repair flood-damaged furniture.

Shotlist:
Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil - Recent:
1. Aerial shot of flooded buildings;
2. Various of buildings, submerged vehicles;
3. Residents on motorboat;
4. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Laura Cardos, volunteer, Porto Alegre (partially overlaid with shot 5):
"My home was not affected by the flood. We are here to evacuate trapped people by boat. It feels like we are the ones suffering. We do feel exhausted because we have been evacuating people for the past 10 days. However, as the floodwaters have not receded and may still rise, we will steadfastly continue our efforts."
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
5. Various of Laura sitting in boat, rowing;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
Sao Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil - Recent:
6. Aerial shot of flood-affected area;
7. Various of flooded buildings;
8. Various of resident, flooded home;
9. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) local (name not given) (starting with shots 7-8):
"I have lived here for 44 years and have never experienced a flood like this. When I was five, there was a flood, but the water only came up to my knees. This time, the flooding is terrible and has taken away everything from many people."
10. Various of flooded buildings, truck.

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