Brazil flood: Elon Musk declared that he will donate 1000 starlink terminals to Brazil rescuers. Brazil flood: Elon Musk revealed on Thursday that his satellite internet company, Starlink, will be donating 1,000 terminals to assist emergency responders in the flood-ravaged Rio Grande do Sul state in southern Brazil. The region is currently grappling with the worst flooding in 80 years caused by heavy rainfall.
Brazil flood updates
Rescuers successfully saved a horse. This horse had been stuck on a rooftop for 48 hours in a severely flooded town in Rio Grande do Sul. Presently, 136 individuals remain unaccounted for, while authorities have managed to rescue 1.65 lakh others. These all were trapped in their flooded residences using boats and helicopters, as the streets transformed into waterways due to continuous heavy rainfall. The weather department has predicted additional rainfall in the coming days. It indicates that there will be no relief soon. Consequently, concerns have been raised about a potential escalation in water levels in the submerged state capital of Porto Alegre and neighboring towns, as reported by Reuters.The floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure and bridges. It obstructed the path to Porto Alegre. Reports have emerged of supermarkets being looted during the night.
Official statement of Governor
Governor Eduardo Leite stated that the flood damage is initially estimated to be at least 19 billion reais ($3.68 billion). In the capital city of Brasilia, the federal government has assessed the fiscal impact of the flooding to be around 7.7 billion reais ($1.49 billion). This estimation primarily takes into account the financial assistance provided to small businesses affected by the floods through a support program.
