Brazil: Houses submerged as heavy rainfall triggered Acre river to overflow

Hundreds of houses remain under water, and roads are still submerged after heavy rainfall in the northwestern region of Brazil's Acre state triggered severe flooding of the area.

Footage filmed on Thursday shows heavily flooded Brasileia municipality among the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) reports of evacuation of at least 12,000 locals with the looming threat of river overflow.

Local authorities reported on Thursday, that the Acre river level reached 15.56 meters, surpassing the historically high water level of 2015.

According to media reports, 17 municipalities, including Brasileia and Rio Branco, have already been affected by the natural disaster with search and rescue operations being conducted through the submerged areas.

Acre Governor Gladson Cameli addressed the central government with an appeal to provide urgent assistance.

Speaking about the damage to the area, civil defense coordinator Sebastiao explained that many neighborhoods are still isolated as the roads remain submerged.

"Our only bridge that connects the pacific road with the 317 highway is blocked and will be like this for a long time. There is still a lot of water and one of our main neighbourhoods is isolated," said Sebastiao.

Last year, severe rainfall in Acre resulted in casualties and property damage.

SS