In the state of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil, torrential rains have been falling since November.
But between Saturday and Sunday, they caused the fall of two dams.
The water has ravaged several municipalities: 72 have been considered in a state of emergency since Sunday.
More than 35,000 people have been displaced, and at least 18 people have died.
In total, more than 430,000 people are estimated to be affected by these rains.
“It's a gigantic tragedy.
I do not remember anything of this dimension in the recent history of Bahia.
The number of houses, streets and towns completely underwater is truly terrifying, ”said Bahia State Governor Rui Costa, who flew over the disaster areas on Sunday morning.
He also reassured the inhabitants of his State: “I saw a lot of videos of people putting themselves in danger to save people more vulnerable than them, children, the elderly… - They threw themselves into the water until 'neck and used inflatable boats.
This force, this union for life, we will use to rebuild.
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