Pope Francis prays for victims of heavy rains in Brazil

Pope Francis said this Sunday (Jan. 16) after the Angelus prayer, in Saint Peter's Square, in the Vatican, that he prays for the victims of the storms and floods that have hit Brazil in recent weeks.

"I express my solidarity with the people affected by heavy rains and floods in several regions of Brazil in recent weeks. I pray in particular for the victims and their families, and for those who have lost their homes. May God support the efforts of those who are bringing help", declared the pontiff.

Since the end of last year, several towns in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais have been heavily hit by rainfalls above average, which have left tens of thousands of people homeless or displaced and caused at least 51 deaths.

After a period of truce, areas of instability started frightening the local population on Saturday (Jan. 15) and Sunday (Jan. 16). In Minas Gerais, 164 municipalities have already declared state of emergency. The Civil Defense of the state confirmed so far 25 deaths caused by heavy rains, while 100,000 people are homeless or displaced.

In Bahia, the Civil Defense confirmed at least 26 fatalities between December and January, as a consequence of heavy rains and floods. In other states, such as Pará, Maranhão, and Tocantins, floods far above average have also forced thousands of people to leave their homes.