Porto Alegre, 10/27/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Local Civil Defense units in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul had a busy weekend after strong storms hit the region leaving some 11 municipalities in a state of emergency. The situation is most critical in Bagé, in the western part of the state, where at least 350 homes had roofs torn off leaving hundreds of families without shelter and electricity.

In the capital, Porto Alegre, at least 70 families were left homeless. The state Social Assistance and Citizenship Foundation has already begun distributing food, clothing and blankets to the needy. (AB)