Rain, storm leave thousands homeless in Brazil

By IANS/EFE,

Rio de Janeiro : Incessant rain and a powerful storm have battered southern Brazil, leaving thousands of people homeless, officials said.

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In Parana, the most affected state, close to 6,000 residents had to leave their flooded houses and are living in public shelters or at the homes of their relatives, regional civil defence agency said.

Three thousand houses were collapsed in other areas due to floods, mudslide and strong winds.

In Pato Branco town 205 mm of rain was recorded in the last 24 hours, which is double the average rainfall during the season.

In Santa Catarina state, 2,406 people had to evacuate their homes, while five municipalities declared a state of emergency, local administration said.