Southern Brazil has been hit by heavy rains, leading to at least 13 deaths and 21 people missing. The state of Rio Grande do Sul experienced an unusually high amount of rainfall, causing rivers to swell, flooding towns, and triggering mudslides. Nearly 10,000 people have been displaced, and the governor declared a state of emergency. Rescue efforts have been hampered by the difficult conditions, and more rain is expected. The president has pledged federal support. This disaster is attributed to the weather phenomenon El Niño, which brings heavy rains to the south while causing drought in the Amazon.