Brazil wildfires leave at least two dead

Brazil has recently experienced a huge wildfire in the Pantanal wetlands and vast flooding in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

The state government has also warned forest fires could spread rapidly from gusts of wind, potentially razing large areas of natural vegetation.

Writing on social media, Governor Tarcísio de Freitas said: “We currently have 30 cities on high alert for large fires and we are working to control the situation and ensure safety.”

In a separate post, external he later wrote: “São Paulo is facing a difficult time and we are committed, joining forces, to control the fires and keep people safe.

“We were in the field throughout the day to ensure a prompt response to the most affected areas, such as Piracicaba, Barrinha, Sertãozinho and Ribeirão Preto. We will not rest until the situation is back to normal.”