Brazil Floods 2013: 35 Dead After Torrential Rains

Brazil's unseasonal torrential rains have left 35 dead and at thousands homeless as flooding and mudslides have ravaged the south-eastern part of the country. The states of Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo were the worst affected, with dozens of homes lost and numerous roads closed. Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff has pledged millions of dollars in aids to the victims of the rains which appear to be the worst in almost a century.

Dilma Rousseff traveled to the affected areas and flew in a helicopter over Espirito Santo with State Governor Renato Casagrande. "The first thing the federal government will do is rescue people in difficulty," said Ms. Rousseff during a press conference after the visit. ly. Over 46,000 people have been evacuated in Espirito Santo, and more than 700 are homeless in Minas Gerais. More than 5,000 people are seeking refuge in state shelters.

In January 2012 floods ravaged Minas Gerais and killed at least 6 people. Rains are expected to continue heavily in the region for the remainder of the week.