STORY: :: Deadly floods in southern Brazil have led
to a bump in crime, authorities say
:: Porto Alegre, Brazil
:: May 12, 2024
:: Ricardo Gruner, Police captain
:: "With the presence of the police on board, there will be a reduction in the thefts and robberies that were being committed."
:: "The entire urban area of the city is under water, so there are obstacles. We're constantly faced with traffic signs, garbage cans and submerged vehicles."
The flooding was a result of heavy rain that began less than two weeks ago. More rain fell on Sunday (May 12) and further rainfall is expected on Monday (May 13).
Police have been conducting patrols in flooded areas that were difficult to access, authorities said. Reuters was able to follow on one of these nightly rounds on Sunday and observed heavily armed police inspecting abandoned houses and a looted petrol station.
The death toll from the heavy rains rose to at least 143, up from 136 the day before, the local civil defense government body said on Sunday.
