The death toll from storms and floods in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to 154.

The country’s civil defense agency said on Friday (17), the number of dead in natural disasters has increased almost every day since April 29.

According to the agency, about 2.3 million people have been affected in at least 461 municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul, and a total of 620,000 people have been evacuated to shelters.

The agency also said that more than 82,000 people were rescued during the 19-day state of emergency.

It may be noted that the state has received heavy rainfall due to unprecedented natural calamities. This resulted in severe flooding and storms in southern Brazil.

The Salgado Filho International Airport in the state capital, Porto Alegre, was reportedly closed due to flooding.

Meanwhile, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva has postponed his state visit to Chile due to severe flooding in the country.

The Office of the President announced last Monday (May 14) that the President’s visit to Chile on May 17 and 18 is not taking place due to the need to monitor the flood situation.

According to the Brazilian government, 127 people are still missing as a result of the floods.