About 116 cities in Bahia state are in a state of emergency after heavy rains have been causing flash floods in the region since the end of November.

Over 43,000 people had to leave their homes due to heavy flooding, according to the civil protection agency Sudec active in Bahia state.

More than 470,000 people were affected by severe floods throughout the state, according to local sources.

Starting on 13 December, the Federal Government has launched a recovery action plan to respond to the needs of the flood-affected people. (ILKHA)