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This seems to have become a recurring theme in our daily updates: flooding.
At least 39 people are dead after severe flooding in southern Brazil, with 68 others still missing. Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes as rivers burst their banks and dams break, engulfing their homes. These rains are even worse than a massive round of storms that hit the state of Rio Grande do Sul in 1941, which were the previous record holders.
One hydroelectric dam, located on the Taquari River, partially collapsed recently, sending water rushing into nearby cities downstream of the disaster. The towns were quickly inundated, sending citizens scrambling to their highest floors and rooftops as the water approached.
Other rivers have also caused damage in various areas. The Caí River in the city of Feliz burst its banks a few days ago, sending one of the city's two bridges crashing into the water.
All electricity, water, and internet has been cut to most communities in the state, and it is most likely going to take a while to recover. It has been raining for a continuous five days, and this can all be linked to climate change. Climate change leads to a more severe version of the phenomenon of El Niño, which means that there are warm waters in the Atlantic Ocean, among other things. This brings drier weather to northern Brazil and wetter weather to southern Brazil. Due to the extreme El Niño effects this year, the Amazon Rainforest has been undergoing a huge drought, and more and more precipitation is expected for the southern part of the country in the coming years.
Fact of the Day (Reader's Digest): Giant Pacific octopi lay 56,000 eggs over the course of a month. The babies float around in the surrounding water without being attached to anyone, but the mother brings all of the eggs together. She then weaves them into braids so she can supervise all of them at the same time.
Quote of the Day (Gracious Quotes): Courage is the foundation of determination. Determination and courage are the cornerstones of success. (M.K. Soni)
Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster): Agrarian (adj) - Something described as agrarian has to do with farms and farming.
In a Sentence: Joan hopes to leave city life behind and move to a more agrarian region where she plans to raise lambs and grow heirloom vegetables.
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