Severe weather in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul has led to catastrophic flooding, resulting in 83 fatalities and over 100 people missing.

The natural disaster has forced more than 19,000 people into shelters, leaving nearly 122,000 homeless, with damages surpassing $54 million.

Local authorities and the community are rallying to provide support through donations, amassing approximately $7.5 million, including innovative Bitcoin contributions.

Critical shortages of water, food, and medicine are reported, despite national efforts to address the immediate needs of those affected.

The Rio Grande do Sul government, alongside 1,000 firefighters, continues rescue operations amid ongoing risks of flooding, with heavy rains expected to persist.

President Lula da Silva has pledged prompt relief, and the region has been officially declared a state of calamity to streamline aid to the impacted individuals.