Flood deaths in Brazil rise to 84

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Rescue efforts are being stepped up in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, where floods killed 84 people and forced 54,000 from their homes, according to Internet.
The federal government and other states are sending aid, including helicopters to reach stranded residents.
The heavy rainfall of recent days also caused landslides that have destroyed homes and blocked roads in the region.
Eight towns have been cut off by the flood waters while more than 160,000 people are without electricity.
Heavy rains have affected large parts of southern Brazil but Santa Catarina has borne the brunt of the bad weather.