- Southern Brazil has been hit by devastating floods, with at least 83 people dead
- Costa, a Gremio player, helped in the relief and rescue efforts by lending his vehicles
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Former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid striker Diego Costa has helped rescue 100 people from devastating floods in the region of Brazil where he now plays.
The 35-year-old used his jeep and jet ski to help transport people trapped by floodwaters to safety and also called on friends to help in the efforts.
The natural disaster affecting Rio Grande do Sul has killed at least 83 people and injured 276, while another 111 are still missing, according to cnn.
The region’s Civil Defense said at least 121,000 people had been displaced by the floods.
Costa, who now plays for Brazilian club Gremio, was driving home from training when he encountered a group of people from Eldorado do Sul looking for help.
Former Chelsea and Atlético Madrid striker Diego Costa (centre) helped in the rescue efforts after the devastating floods that hit southern Brazil.
Videos posted on social media showed Costa using his jeep to help bring flood victims to safety, and he also used a jet ski for rescue efforts.
Floods in the Rio Grande do Sul region have caused at least 83 deaths and displaced tens of thousands
The footballer did not hesitate to act, making his jeep and jet ski available for rescue efforts. In addition, he mobilized four more friends who brought jet skis, SER Chain reported.
Videos on social media showed Costa driving the jeep through flooded roads, and reports said the group helped carry 100 people to dry land.
‘What Diego did today, I had never seen before. “He arrived only a few months ago (to Gremio), but he left his truck in the water and took his jet ski and those of his friends,” said a witness.
The Brazil-born former Spain international played for Wolves during the 2022-23 season before signing for Brazilian side Botafogo.
He moved to Serie A club Gremio in February, replacing Luis Suárez, and has since scored six goals in 10 appearances.
Days of heavy rain caused massive flooding and landslides in Brazil’s southernmost state, and the extreme weather was caused by a rare combination of higher than average temperatures, high humidity and strong winds.
Costa, 35, signed for Gremio, which plays in the region, in February. He has scored six goals
Reports said Costa was returning from training when he encountered a group in need and asked how he could help in flood rescue efforts.
The Internacional stadium in the city of Porto Alegre is submerged by flood waters
Water surrounds the Rio Grande do Sul art museum in Porto Alegre after the flood
Rescue operations have been carried out across the state with more than 100 people missing.
Roads and bridges have been destroyed in many areas, and at least half a million people have been left without electricity or drinking water.
The storms hit more than half of the state’s 497 cities and caused a hydroelectric dam to collapse near the city of Bento Gonçalves, causing 30 deaths.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited the region to promise government aid.