Santa Catarina Under Water

The climatic disaster in South Brazil over the course of this week has resulted in 97 people confirmed dead and 19 still missing.

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Over 78,000 people were forced to leave their homes, and overall 1.5 million people have been affected by the heavy rains, floods, and landslides in Santa Catarina State.
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Six cities have been completely cut off, and roads have been closed off.

Emergency workers and volunteers have been using helicopters and boats to try to reach those left stranded.

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Floaded supermarkets and other commercial establishments have been looted by the hungry population.

. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva released R$1.6 billion of funds the country keeps as reserves for disasters this summer.

The funds will go to Santa Catarina's Civil Defense department and the Armed Forces, and to help repair roads and ports and provide medical aid.

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Source: Made in Brasil - 27/nov/2008.