Weather tracker: torrential rainstorms cause death and destruction in Brazil

This part of South America is no stranger to major rainfall, but last week’s storms were particularly devastating

Torrential rainstorms in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul have caused the worst flooding the country has seen in 80 years, with many deaths and thousands of families displaced. Central parts of the state were worst-hit after the storms began last Monday, with unofficial weather stations in the area recording 20-40in over the past week.

Widespread floods and landslides have caused major damage to homes and infrastructure, most alarmingly triggering the partial collapse of a small hydroelectric dam on Thursday, which sent a 2-metre-high wave through the surrounding area. At least 57 deaths have been reported and 24,000 people have been displaced, alongside an estimated 500,000 who are without power and clean water.