Brazil flood death toll rises to 65

RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 25 (UPI) -- The death toll in flooding that devastated the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina has reached at least 65.

More than 40,000 people were left homeless by weekend rains that pounded the region, O Globo reported Tuesday.

Four cities were hit particularly hard by the flooding, washing out roads and making it difficult for authorities to send in relief supplies and rescue workers.

Aid was being sent in to some cities by helicopter, Brazil's state news agency reported.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the federal government would provide aid to those affected by the flooding.