Floods in brazil force thousands to flee their homes

The burst in the dam in Campos dos Goytacazes in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state was caused by days of heavy rains, which have been battering Brazil's south-Eastern region since the beginning of the year.

Mina Gerais and Espirito Santo in southeast Brazil have also been struck by torrential rains in recent days.

Sixty six towns and cities in Minas Gerais have declared a state of emergency with many other areas in the the south-east of the country on red alert.

Brazil's Intergation Minister, Fernando Bezerra said he would make resources available for Rio's officials to handle the worst affected regions.

Source: Telegraph.co.uk