RIO GRANDE DO SUL: Rescuers rushed to evacuate people stranded by devastating floods across the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul on Tuesday, with at least 90 dead, thousands left homeless, and desperate survivors seeking food and basic supplies.

The flooding has hampered rescue efforts, with dozens of people still waiting to be evacuated by boat or helicopter from stricken homes. Small boats criss-crossed the flooded town searching for survivors.

The state’s Civil Defence agency said the death toll had risen to 90 with another four deaths being investigated, while 131 people were still unaccounted for and 155,000 homeless.

The heavy rains that began last week have caused rivers to flood, inundating whole towns and destroying roads and bridges. Rain is forecast to let up on Thursday but then continue through the weekend.

Source: Emirates News Agency