Categories: World

“Ghost Town”: Devastating Floods in Brazil Signal Climate Change Threats Across the Americas, Warns UN Official

Record floods that have claimed over 170 lives and displaced half a million people in southern Brazil are a stark warning of impending climate disasters throughout the Americas, according to an official at the United Nations’ refugee agency.

Andrew Harper, special advisor on climate action for the UN refugee agency UNHCR, highlighted the dire situation during a visit to a devastated neighborhood in Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul state. “It was underwater for almost 40 days. There wasn’t even any rats running around. Everything had died,” Harper remarked, describing the area as “a ghost town.”

The catastrophic flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, described by local authorities as the worst disaster in the region’s history, has left approximately 389,000 people displaced. The floodwaters have receded, but the aftermath remains dire with streets piled high with water-logged garbage and debris, preventing residents from returning to their homes. Many, including Venezuelan refugees who had resettled in Porto Alegre, are still living in shelters.

UNHCR is collaborating with local government to construct temporary housing. Harper emphasized that some residents might never return to their original homes due to the frequency and severity of the flooding, potentially becoming “climate migrants” in the years to come.

Scientists have attributed the intensity of the flooding to climate change, which they say has doubled the likelihood of such events. The floods have surpassed all expectations of local authorities regarding climate disasters, underscoring the urgent need for better preparedness.

Must read: Four Arrested for Trespassing at UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Residence Amidst Heated Political Scenario

Harper warned that the situation in Brazil could be a precursor to similar events throughout the Americas if decisive action is not taken. “We’re seeing the emergence in Brazil of what we may be seeing throughout the Americas. So to ignore this, they do it at their own peril,” he stated.

Governments must identify and support the people most vulnerable to climate change, including those in neighborhoods like the one Harper visited in Porto Alegre. These communities need to be integrated into national climate plans to mitigate future disasters.

“It’s a warning signal, but we’ve been seeing warning signals now for five, ten years. At what point do you basically have to slap somebody in the face and say, ‘Wake up, you’re not going to ignore this,'” Harper said rhetorically.

Srishti Mukherjee

Recent Posts

UK Backs Khalistani Groups, Assures Protection Against Alleged Harassment By India: REPORT

UK Minister Dan Jarvis responds to allegations that Sikhs in the UK are being targeted…

7 mins ago

Maha Kumbh 2025: CM Yogi Reviews Preparations In Prayagraj, 50,000 Security Personnels Deployed

More than 50,000 security personnel, as well as drones and advanced surveillance systems, will be…

7 mins ago

Kerala HC Criticizes State Over Solid Waste Mismanagement

The Kerala High Court strongly criticized the state government for its failure to manage solid…

37 mins ago

Man Utd Transfer Update: Ruben Amorim Seeks To Discover The Next Cristiano Ronaldo

Manchester United's recent defeat at home to Bournemouth has underscored the need for significant changes…

38 mins ago

Cal HC Upholds Single-Bench Order Order Allowing Doctor’s Protest In Esplanade

The Calcutta High Court's division bench upheld an earlier order permitting a demonstration by a…

58 mins ago

Tania Sachdev Calls For Greater Recognition Of Delhi’s Chess Players

Indian chess has been in the spotlight recently, with Gukesh D's victory in the FIDE…

59 mins ago