The number of victims of the floods caused by heavy rains in Brazil has risen to 29 dead and 60 missing.

The rains that fell several days ago in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the south of the country caused losses in lives and property, according to the Anadolu Agency.

The state's civil defense reported in a statement today, Friday, that the number of deaths has risen to 29 and the number of missing persons to 60, noting that the rains caused severe damage in 154 towns and negatively affected 71,300 people due to the floods.

The state governor, Eduardo Leite, said in a press conference that there are still places that rescue teams have not been able to reach, adding: "We are going through an extremely exceptional situation; it is the most devastating event in the state's history."

He pointed out that the number of deaths is expected to rise, and that search and rescue efforts are ongoing by land, sea, and air.

The governor clarified that due to the magnitude of the tragedy, they have declared a "state of emergency" in the state for 180 days, and that they are making strenuous efforts to evacuate people from the disaster area.

Media reports also indicated that a dam on the Antas River collapsed due to being unable to withstand the flow of heavy water, flooding the towns in the surrounding areas.

For his part, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who visited the area, stated that as a government, they are providing their full support to the state.

Lula da Silva added: "As a federal government, we will do whatever is necessary to meet all needs, and we will provide 100 percent support for the repairs needed due to the floods."

Following Lula da Silva's visit, 8 aircraft from the Air Force and 600 military personnel were sent to the areas affected by the floods.