Brazil launches R51bn program to help flood victims

Brazil launched a R50.9bn ($9.9bn), multi-step program to help victims of the historic floods that have hit southern Rio Grande do Sul state since late April.

The measures seek to aid workers, social program beneficiaries, companies, rural producers and individual cities. Some of them include the early payment of salaries and social welfare, priority in tax refunds and two additional installments of unemployment insurance, among other actions.

The government will also set aside R200mn to help public banks finance proposals to reconstruct Rio Grande do Sul's infrastructure.

The program will help over 3.5mn people, the government said.

Earlier this week the federal government also launched a decree to ease relief spending to Rio Grande do Sul.

The rains and floods in the state have left at least 113 dead, 146 people missing and more than 165,000 people displaced, according to the civil defense.

By Lucas Parolin