The death toll from the floods in Brazil rises to 20 and there are more than 470,000 affected by the heavy rains that hit the state of Bahia

(CNN Spanish) – Floods in the Brazilian state of Bahia have left 20 dead and 358 injured, the state government reported in a statement late Monday.

According to the state government, more than 470,000 people in 116 localities were affected and a state of emergency was declared in 100 of them.

Nearly 62,800 people were left homeless due to the flooding, according to the state government.

Since November, the state of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil, has suffered heavy rains and floods, and multiple dams have broken, according to authorities.

The governor of Bahia, Rui Costa, flew over the areas affected by heavy rains on Sunday, the governor’s office reported in a statement.

Costa met with the Secretaries of Infrastructure, Health, the Commander of the Fire Department and the technicians of the Civil Defense of Brazil to expedite rescue actions, support the population, recovery of accesses and essential services, the statement detailed.

Itabuna, Brazil. Credit: Prefeitura de Itabuna

“We are going to increase our support structure and bring the necessary resources to remote areas, such as Itapetinga and other towns in the Southwest, with the use of aircraft to carry supplies and supplies, and even equipment, in order to ensure all kinds of rescue or assistance. “Costa said at a press conference this Sunday.

Itabuna, Brazil. Credit: Prefeitura de Itabuna