Death toll rises due to natural disasters in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state

The number of flood victims in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to 177, as reported by TV CULTURA, a partner of TV BRICS, citing the region's emergency services. 37 people are reported missing.

Cities such as Canoas, Roca Sales and Cruzeiro do Sul had the most deaths. In total, more than 2.3 million state residents have been affected. More than 388,000 were left homeless.

In early May, flooding caused by heavy rains inundated communities in the state, causing landslides, washed out roads and collapsed bridges. Brazil's Vice President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services Geraldo Alckmin announced the government's allocation of funds to support large companies that suffered losses due to the disaster.

Earlier it was reported that the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) will participate in the economic and infrastructure recovery of municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.