Floods in southern state have killed 12 and affected 76,000

Severe floods killed 12 people and displaced an estimated 3,600 in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. Authorities announced that the floods affected approximately 76,000 people and caused significant damage to residential areas; mudslides blocked four highways and bridges in the state. The municipalities of Capao do Leao, Pelotas, Morro Redondo and Turucu declared states of emergency in order to aid victims.