20 dead from record flooding in northeast Brazil

At least 20 people have died and more than 280 were injured after floods devastated northeast Brazil. The governor of Bahia declared it the worst disaster in the state’s history as the area prepares for more floods.

After a long period of drought, the state of Bahia has seen record rains for weeks and flooding in many areas of the state. At least 72 municipalities declared a state of emergency and 40 cities were affected.

The heavy rains caused two dams to give away on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Officials are monitoring 10 other damns, fearing they might collapse.

"This is a massive tragedy. I can't remember seeing anything like this in Bahia's recent history, given the amount of cities and houses involved. It's truly terrifying, there are so many houses and streets that are completely underwater," said Bahia Governor Rui Costa.

Rescue workers continue to patrol the area and rescue residents who have been left stranded and cannot leave their homes.

More than 200 people have been rescued, said Manfredo Santana, a lieutenant-colonel in Bahia’s firefighting corps. However, rescue efforts are complicated due to heavy currents.

Around 16,000 people have been left without a home due to the flooding, said the state government.