Football hero Diego Costa helps rescue 100 people affected by floods in Brazil as the former Chelsea striker uses his jeep and jetski to bring victims to safety.
- Southern Brazil hit by devastating floods, killing at least 83 people
- Gremio player Costa contributed to relief and rescue efforts by lending his vehicles
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Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa helped save 100 people from devastating floods in the region of Brazil where he currently plays.
The 35-year-old used his jeep and jetski to help transport people trapped by floodwaters to safety and also summoned friends to help in his efforts.
The natural disaster affecting Rio Grande do Sul has caused the death of at least 83 people and injured 276, while 111 others 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 returning home from a training session when he encountered a group of people from Eldorado do Sul who were looking for help.
Former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa (centre) has helped with relief efforts following devastating floods in southern Brazil.
Videos posted on social media showed Costa using his jeep to help bring flood victims to safety, and he also used a jetski in 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, providing his jeep and jetski for rescue. In addition, he mobilized four other friends who brought jetskis, Cadena SER reported.
Videos posted on social media showed Costa driving the jeep through flooded roads, with reports claiming the group helped bring 100 people to dry land.
“What Diego did today, I’ve never seen before. He only arrived (in Gremio) a few months ago, but he left his truck in the water and took his jetski and those of his friends,” said a witness.
The Brazilian-born former Spain international played for Wolves during the 2022-23 season before signing for Botafogo in Brazil.
He joined Serie A club Gremio in February – replacing Luis Suarez – and has since scored six goals in 10 appearances.
Days of heavy rain have triggered massive flooding and landslides in Brazil’s southernmost state, with the extreme weather caused by a rare combination of warmer-than-average temperatures, high humidity and winds violent.
Costa, 35, signed for Gremio, who play in the region, in February. He scored six goals
According to reports, Costa was returning from training when he encountered a group in need and asked how they could help with flood relief efforts.
The Internacional stadium in the city of Porto Alegre is submerged by floodwaters
Water surrounds the Rio Grande do Sul Art Museum in Porto Alegre after flooding
Rescue operations continue across the state and more than 100 people are missing.
Roads and bridges have been destroyed in many areas, leaving at least half a million people without electricity or drinking water.
The storms affected more than half of the state’s 497 towns and caused the collapse of a hydroelectric dam near the town of Bento Goncalves, killing 30 people.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visited the region to promise government aid.
