-4.5.2008- Flooding in north-eastern Brazil has killed at least 15 people and driven tens of thousands from their homes, civil defence officials have said. The victims drowned when the River Paraiba burst its banks and the walls of a medium-sized dam cracked in the normally arid state of Paraiba. The flood waters, caused by torrential rains, have also destroyed corn and bean crops, and washed away roads. Brazil’s government has released around $360m (ﾣ180m) to help those affected. 了解更多