The record-breaking rainfall in Brazil between 22 April and 6 May, equivalent to five months' worth of rain volume, led to the overflowing of Lake Guaiba in the southern part of the country. This resulted in severe flooding in hundreds of cities, including Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul state. Many buildings and roads are still submerged in water.

"Another day of battle around here," Pereira wrote in Portuguese on Instagram on 15 May, attaching photos of him on a jet ski in Rio Grande do Sul region. "Today, more than 15 animals were saved from this immensity of water. The scenes I’m seeing are heartbreaking even the roughest like me, but I follow my purpose of helping those who need it most. We are one people. We are Brazilians."

Michel "Demolidor" Pereira, aged 30, is a professional MMA fighter. On 4 May, he fought against Ihor Potieria at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro and achieved an impressive first-round victory by securing a win with a guillotine choke. However, his holiday plans in his home state have been disrupted due to the historic flooding in Rio Grande do Sul.

More than 2.1 million people have been affected by the flooding. Pereira joined the relief efforts, documenting his involvement on social media. He highlighted the extensive destruction and suffering caused by the natural disaster in the area. On Instagram, he has posted numerous videos of himself rescuing abandoned, lost, and homeless dogs from the floods, who had no chance of reaching the mainland on their own.

Experts from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) predict that the water level will stabilise. However, if there is significant rainfall again, the water level could continue to rise. Even without additional rainfall, it could take a month or more for the water to recede to pre-flood levels.

Source: essentiallysports.com