Appearance in Downtown Porto Alegre "Concerns Over Ecosystem Destruction"
Severe Flood Damage in Southern Brazil... 2.2 Million Affected
Carnivorous freshwater fish piranhas have appeared in a city in southern Brazil severely affected by flooding, where heavy rains caused rivers to overflow.
On the 17th (local time), Brazilian media outlets O Globo and G1 reported that piranhas were found in flooded areas within Porto Alegre, the capital city of Rio Grande do Sul state, the previous day.
Porto Alegre fire authorities received multiple reports from residents who saw piranhas in residential areas of the city center the day before, G1 reported. Related videos and photos posted by residents also appeared on social media (SNS).
Piranhas inhabit the northern Amazon River and the southern Paraguay River, and are known for their sharp teeth and voracious appetite, capable of attacking large mammals. Local media reported that this is the first time piranhas have been found in downtown Porto Alegre.
O Globo conveyed local fishermen’s concerns that “rapidly breeding piranhas affect other fish and crustaceans,” and that “the surrounding aquatic ecosystem could be damaged for at least three years.”
Since heavy rains and resulting floods began on May 29 in Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil, the damage has continued to increase over three weeks. As of noon on this day, 154 people have died and 98 remain missing. The total number of affected victims, including those who lost or had their homes flooded, is 2.2 million.
In Porto Alegre, the hardest-hit area, the water level of the nearby Gua?ba River rose to 4.9 meters at 4 a.m. on the 14th. There is also a possibility it could reach a record high of 5.5 meters later this week.
Porto Alegre International Airport has been closed since the 3rd due to water flooding the runway and some facilities. Medical authorities reported that about 2,700 patients awaiting organ transplants have been unable to receive them due to the airport’s suspension of operations.
Authorities estimate that Est?dio Beira-Rio (football stadium), which influenced the decision to temporarily suspend the professional football league, will take more than 60 days to be fully drained.
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