Worst flooding in 2 decades

The has caused at least 32 deaths in the states of Alagoas, Amazonas, Ceará, Maranhao and Santa Catarina, and left more than 200,000 people homeless. Authorities stated that the continually rising waters have affected approximately 738,000 persons, and that they are seeking to send food and medical aid to the most heavily affected communities. This is the worst flooding in two decades and sources reported isolated incidents of looting, and some individuals refused to leave their homes, fearing that their belongings would be stolen. Meteorologists forecast that the heavy rains may continue for another several weeks.