Death toll from southern Brazil rainfall rises to 78, many still missing

General view shows an area affected by the floods in Canoas, at the Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, May 4, 2024. REUTERS/Renan Mattos

PORTO ALEGRE/CANOAS/SAO PAULO (Reuters) - The death toll from heavy rains that have caused flooding in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to at least 78, local authorities said on Sunday, with more than 115,000 people displaced.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in Rio Grande do Sul on Sunday morning with most members of his cabinet to discuss rescue and reconstruction efforts with local authorities.