More than 65,000 affected by flooding in Acre, Brazil

SÃO PAULO, Brazil — Heavy rains that reached Acre state in northern Brazil have affected more than 65,000 people in the region, making it the second largest flooding on record for the state, according to Brazilian news site Terra. The region is expected to receive even more rain in the next 24 hours.

Almost 7,000 people have been left homeless and 1,918 have been displaced after the Acre River overflowed, reported Brazilian news site iG. Almost 12,000 people in the capital city of Rio Branco alone have been affected by the rising river, which reached the 17.44 meter mark (just over 57 feet), more than three meters (almost 10 feet) above the riverbank, according to Brazilian news site G1.

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Around 14,000 homes have flooded, according to iG. At least 45 neighborhoods in Rio Branco are under water. The homeless have been taken to public housing, unofficial shelters and family members' homes, reported Terra.

In Rio Branco, more than 5,000 people have been taken to one of five shelters set up by city hall and the government, according to iG. More than 1,800 people are staying with family and friends.

iG has also reported that aid from the Civil Defence of Acre is beginning to reach the flood victims today. Around 45 tons of food, as well as cleaning products, personal hygiene items and medications have been sent.

In 1997, the river reached its highest level on record at 17.67 meters (almost 58 feet), according to G1.