TOP CLUBS URGE THE BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION TO SUSPEND LEAGUE MATCHES DUE TO FLOODING.

Three top-tier clubs petitioned Brazil’s football body on Monday to cancel national league matches for the next 20 days due to severe floods.

Internacional, Gremio, and Juventude are all headquartered in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which has been devastated by flooding since last week.

According to authorities, at least 83 individuals have been slain in the region in the last seven days, with another 111 reported missing.

The flood has overwhelmed and severely damaged the Internacional and Gremio stadiums in Porto Alegre, the state capital.

“The absolute priority at this time is to help thousands of people who have been affected,” Internacional stated in a statement. “We ask for understanding, solidarity, empathy and support at such a delicate and extraordinary moment.”

The weekend matches of all three clubs in the fifth round of the Brazilian league were suspended. Internacional is in ninth place with seven points, three behind leader Athletico Paranaense.

Gremio is 11th with six points, while Juventude has five competition points.

The Brazilian Football Confederation said it will take the request into consideration.

More than 80,000 individuals have been forced to leave their houses due to rain damage. Approximately 15,000 people have sought sanctuary in schools, gymnasiums, and other temporary shelters.

On Sunday, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil made a second visit to Rio Grande do Sul, accompanied by several ministers, including the environment minister Marina Silva, the defense minister José Múcio, and the finance minister Fernando Haddad. From a helicopter, the socialist leader and his group observed the inundated streets of Porto Alegre.

Pope Francis declared that he was praying for the people of the state during Sunday mass at the Vatican.