Brazil president visits flood-hit Maranhão state

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visited the state of Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil, on Sunday, where 64 cities are in a state of emergency due to flooding.

Accompanied by Maranhao state Governor, Lula flew over the area where more than 7,000 people have been displaced and promised federal government would assist them. Heavy rains intensified in March, causing major flooding in recent days.Authorities say there are several warnings of landslides.In Sao Luiz, the state capital Maranhão, 70 areas are being monitored and residents fear food shortages.