Brasilia, Dec 27:  Heavy flooding in Brazil has left 18 people dead and over 280 injured, according to officials.

CNN on Monday quoted Governor Rui Costa as saying that the floods have affected nearly 40 cities throughout the state of Bahia.

“This is a massive tragedy. I can’t remember seeing anything like this in Bahia’s recent history, given the amount of cities and houses involved. It’s truly terrifying, there are so many houses and streets that are completely under water,” he said.

The flood has forced more than 35,000 people to leave their homes, according to Bahia’s civil defense and protection agency.

Meanwhile, in Itambé city, a dam broke due to heavy rains on late Saturday evening.Brazil National Institute of Meteorology has issued heavy rainfall alerts for almost all of Bahia.

However, conditions are expected to improve on Monday and Tuesday.

UNI