Severe flooding affects southern Brazil

People in southern Brazil continue to be affected by severe flooding caused by heavy rains. Authorities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul said 169 people have been confirmed dead and 44 people are unaccounted for as of Wednesday.

A large number of residents have been forced to evacuate for an extended period of time. Disaster-hit areas are seeking aid from the international community amid growing concerns over security and the spread of infectious diseases.