Brazilian president offers aid to storm-devastated states

2011-07-21 09:58:17

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff Wednesday offered federal support to two northeastern states which were ravaged by a deadly storm over the weekend.

The president spoke to the governors of Paraiba and Pernambuco and sent newly-appointed Minister of Transport Paulo Sergio Passos to assess damage.

The president also asked Minister of National Integration Fernando Bezerra to provide all necessary support, according to a presidential spokesman.

The minister confirmed that 5 million reais (3.2 million U.S. dollars) would be sent to the rain-hit region in a week to fund reconstruction.

The storm left 11 people dead, two missing and 1,600 homeless. Some 14,900 people had to leave their homes due to floods and mudslides. Several state highways were ruined and 16 dams in Lagoa Seca city of Paraiba burst. A total of 42 municipalities declared a state of emergency.

Sphere: Related Content