Heavy rains in the northern Brazilian state of Bahia over the weekend resulted in the deaths of at least seven people and the displacement of hundreds of others, according to the regional Civil Defense on Sunday.
The rains, which were brought on by an extratropical storm, were concentrated on the southern province of Bahia last week, strengthening on Saturday and flooding areas of the region and inflicting material damage to buildings.
According to the Civil Defense, the rains have hit around 30 towns, resulting in the deaths of seven people and the injuries of 175 others, as well as the displacement of thousands of residents.
Because of the rainstorms, numerous towns and rural regions were entirely cut off from the rest of the world, making it impossible for relief teams to reach them. With the assistance of two helicopters, more than 200 military firemen evacuated residents from their homes in the affected areas on Sunday.
On Sunday, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Governor of Bahia Rui Falcao visited the region and pledged assistance in the rehabilitation effort.
