Civil defence officials say floods and mudslides caused by heavy rains have killed at least 10 people and forced more than 20,000 to leave their homes in northeastern Brazil. The Civil Defence Department of Paraiba state says heavy downpours over the past four days have driven nearly 22,000 people from their homes. A 2-month-old boy was killed when the roof of his home caved in.
In neighbouring Pernambuco state, civil defence spokesman Rafael Guerra says eight people died in mudslides that hit shantytown slums and one person drowned after falling in a river.
About 4,500 people were forced to leave their homes.
In both states, evacuees have taken shelter with relatives and friends and in public schools and gymnasiums. Source
