20 dead in Brazil floods

At least 20 people are reported dead and thousands have been forced from their homes following floods in Brazil\'s Santa Catarina state.



A state of emergency has been declared in the area and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has offered federal help to deal with the disaster.



Heavy rainfall over the last two months has led to landslides that have destroyed homes and blocked roads.



Four towns in the southern state are reportedly cut off by the flooding.

Weather forecasters say more rain is expected for the region.