Brazilian government sends more flood aid

SAO PAULO, May 11 (UPI) -- The Brazilian government said Monday it would send additional aid to help hundreds of thousands of flood victims in northern Brazil.

In his weekly address, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that relief efforts would include additional food and emergency supplies for the estimated 300,000 people left homeless by the recent flooding, O Globo TV reported.

So far, at least 40 have been confirmed dead due to the rising waters, said rescue officials.

The recent flooding affecting the northern coast and interior of Brazil is considered to be the worst the region has experienced in 20 years.