Brazil had 12 extreme weather events in 2023, according to a report published this Wednesday (8), by the World Meteorological Organization, a specialized UN agency.
According to the agency, nine of the incidents were considered “unusual” and two “unprecedented”. Heat waves, cold waves, torrential rains, floods and the cyclone in Vale do Taquari were the events considered extreme by the UN.
“2023 was the hottest year on record in Latin America. Heatwaves caused year-round health impacts, including increases in mortality,” the report said.
Floods
In Latin America, several episodes of flooding were recorded in 2023. The report highlighted the intense rains that occurred in Rio Grande do Sul, in September.
“In one of these events, torrential rains, caused by an extratropical cyclone, caused floods and landslides. In total, 49 municipalities in the state were affected by heavy rain and winds.”
“The floods caused at least 48 fatalities, 20,978 people were displaced and 4,904 were displaced,” said the UN.
Population and economic damage
In total, 11 million people were directly affected and 909 died from climate events in Latin America in 2023. Floods were responsible for 53% of deaths.
Extreme weather in the region generated an economic impact of $23 billion in 2023. Torrential rains account for 66% of the damage.
“In Brazil, both excessive rain and drought, linked to El Niño, delayed soybean planting. Wheat production in the state of Paraná has fallen by 889,000 metric tons from potential, and a 30% loss in its harvest is expected,” the report concluded.
Source: CNN Brasil
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