Tragically, among the victims was a 4-month-old baby who succumbed to the storm before rescuers could reach them. Fatalities were recorded across seven different cities, highlighting the widespread impact of the disaster.

Governor Eduardo Leite expressed the utmost priority of safeguarding lives, extending support, and conducting rescue operations for those affected by the storm. Acknowledging the severity of the situation, two government ministers from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's administration have visited the state to offer assistance, support, and financial investments not only for Rio Grande do Sul but also for the neighboring state of Santa Catarina, which also experienced significant flooding.

The valiant efforts of firefighters have resulted in approximately 2,400 rescues across the 35 cities in Rio Grande do Sul that bore the brunt of the tropical storm. However, numerous roads remain impassable, flights to major cities were canceled throughout Friday, and widespread power outages continue to plague the state.

State authorities are actively assessing the damage to roads and bridges in order to determine the feasibility of restoring access to the worst-affected areas. The impact of the storm has been staggering, with mayors of affected cities reporting that the 24-hour rainfall surpassed double the average precipitation expected for the entire month of June. In a particularly alarming case, the mayor of Maquine took to social media to reveal that his city endured a staggering 29.4 centimeters (approximately 11 inches) of rainfall in just one day.

Weather experts have classified the storm as an extratropical cyclone, a weather phenomenon more commonly observed in middle and high latitudes rather than tropical regions. As the affected communities strive to recover from the devastation, the focus remains on rescue and relief efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected population. (ILKHA)