An approaching polar air mass is expected to result in significant temperature drop in southern Brazil, exacerbating the already challenging situation caused by ongoing floods, said a meteorologist, warning about the impacts of human interference on climate change.
A major flooding caused by heavy rains in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has left hundreds of towns under water and caused widespread power and water outages, forcing the residents there to take shelter in open fields and on the roadsides.
According to the weather forecast, more rains will hit southern Brazil over the next few days. This is likely to further worsen the disaster, which has already resulted in 147 confirmed deaths in Rio Grande do Sul.
The governor of Rio Grande do Sul posted a video on social platforms, expressing concerns that the rivers are likely to surpass the levels witnessed last week, leading to further extensive and severe flooding.
However, the threat is not limited to floods, as temperatures are also expected to drop in the coming days due to the approaching cold wave.
"It will lower the temperatures significantly in southern Brazil, with temperatures approaching zero degrees. People are already wet and they will be cold," said Glauco Freitas, a meteorologist with the National Institute of Meteorology.
Freitas further warned that the extreme weather may be a testament to the impacts of climate change resulting from human interference.
"This disaster will go down in history as one of the events that prove the impacts of climate change, of human interference in the climate," he said.
Officials estimated that over two million people have been impacted by days of rain in the region.
Approaching polar air to exacerbate situation in flood-hit southern Brazil: meteorologist
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
