Brazil flooding kills at least 20

At least 20 people are reported to have died and thousands have been forced from their homes following floods in Brazil's Santa Catarina state.  A state of emergency has been declared in the area and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has offered federal help to deal with the disaster. Heavy rainfall over the last two months has led to landslides which have destroyed homes and blocked roads. Four towns in the southern state are reported to be cut off by the flooding. Weather forecasters say more rain is expected for the region.

By Sunday night more than 15,000 people had been forced out of their homes. Some are able to stay with relatives and friends, while others have gone to public shelters. In total more than a million people are said to have been affected by the flooding.  Many of the deaths have been caused by landslides which have destroyed homes and blocked roads.  As well as the help from the federal government, neighbouring states are sending equipment and rescue workers to Santa Catarina. Heavy rain and flooding in Brazil have been known to lead to high death tolls in the past partly because homes are often constructed in dangerous locations that are vulnerable to landslides.  State governments have been criticised for not doing enough to stop people building in areas of high risk.