Severe rain leaves 8 dead in northern Brazil
Severe rain in the Brazilian northern state of Para has left at least eight children and adults dead and has affected more than 21,000 people. Fifteen municipalities have declared a state of emergency.

The rains moved in a few days ago causing floods in Para, the second largest Brazilian state with seven million inhabitants, many of whom are surrounded by rivers. Three children from the southern municipality of Porto de Moz in lower Amazonas region, were the first victims. They died on April 8, the Civil Defense said on Thursday.

Later, rescuers found two children and two adults, who had drowned in Almerin, and the body of a 74-year-old man in neighbouring Capitao Poco.

Maraba City was worst hit when the Tocantins River, which runs through it, rose 12 meters above its normal level forcing around 2,300 families to abandon their homes. The floods in the municipality of Anajas have led to an increase in malaria cases in the area.