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| Brazil: Heavy Rain, Floods Affect 1.5 Million |
| Federal government and citizens send money to help Santa Catarina citizens |
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Antonio Carlos Rix (carlosrix)  |
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Published 2008-11-27 14:58 (KST) |
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On Nov. 26 President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva allocated up to 2 billion reais (almost US$1 billion) in public money to cope with enormous flood damage in Brazil. The funds will go to Santa Catarina's Civil Defense Office and the Armed Forces which are currently on full alert repairing roads and ports and providing medical assistance.
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FROM THE SECTION |
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| It's been almost a full week of heavy rains in the southern part of Brazil and more than 1.5 million people have been affected thus far. News of more casualties increases by the hour, amounting to more than 100 as of this writing.
From all over the country donations arrive in Itajai, a harbor city in the state of Santa Catarina -- one of the worst affected regions. Emergency food, medicine, mattresses, cooking and transport fuel are all needed.
The region known as the Itajai Valley is under water and many communities are completely isolated. The extent of the damage is in an area about 500 kilometers in size. Many have had their homes swept away by the flooding Itajai River or in mudslides. Thousands are now living in shelters or with relatives.
Lula and the Santa Catarina governor have flown over the flooded areas, inspecting the extent of the disaster.
Three major roads that link the south of Brazil to the rest of the country are blocked at different points. Federal government aid is indispensable to clean them up. The state of Rio Grande do Sul, south of Santa Catarina, is been of great help -- most of the material aid arriving in Santa Catarina comes from there.
Brazilians from all over the country are sending money to help the relief effort. Many banks have set up special accounts to make it easier for people to donate.
Latest weather reports predict improving weather conditions at the weekend -- but too late for many thousands of displaced people.
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©2008 OhmyNews
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