The number of deaths attributed to floods in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina rose Tuesday to 84, the state news agency reported, according to CNN.
The rain-fueled flooding in southern Brazil has brought disaster declarations in six municipalities: Gaspar, Rio dos Cedros, Nova Trento, Camboriu, Benedito Novo and Pomerode, Agencia Brasil reported.
A state of emergency has been declared in seven municipalities: Balneario de Picarras, Canelinha, Indaial, Penha, Paulo Lopes, Presidente Getulio and Rancho Queimado, it said.
The flooding has left more than 20,000 people homeless, Agencia Brasil said earlier in the week.
After flying over the affected zone Tuesday, Sen. Ideli Salvatti described the situation as a "true catastrophe," the agency reported.
Salvatti said the army has provided two planes to carry mattresses, clothes, food and a health team to the flood zone.
