Deadly cyclone in Brazil kills 21

World

At least 21 people have died and hundreds have been forced from their homes in several cities in the southern part of Brazil as a result of flooding caused by the destructive cyclone that the country is currently experiencing, according to BBC.

Authorities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul claim that as the floodwaters recede, more bodies are being discovered. Governor Eduardo Leite claimed that up to 60 cities were affected by the cyclone.

The hurricane that hit Brazil on Tuesday (September 6) is the most recent in a string of extreme weather events, highlighting the dangers posed by storms that are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. A hurricane earlier in June caused at least 13 fatalities and hundreds of additional displaced residents in Southern Brazil.

In addition, February's rainfall in Sao Paulo, Brazil, resulted in landslides and flooding that claimed at least 65 lives.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the president of Brazil, wrote on social media: "I would like to express my solidarity with the inhabitants of Rio Grande do Sul, where the recent heavy rains have already claimed the lives of four people at least.

"The head of civil defence travels to the state to assist in solving the issues brought on by the recent heavy rains. We will make every effort to support the Gaucha population during this difficult time, the post continued.