Brasília, 3/10/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Brazilian army has begun transporting 600 tons of rice and beans to families made homeless by recent flooding in the states of Alagoas, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco and Piauí. This week, supplies will also go to Tocantins.

According to the National Supply Company (Conab), between January and March of this year, a total of 2,300 tons of food have been distributed in the states hardest hit by flooding caused by rains that began in early December.

The distribution program is coordinated by the Ministry of National Integration with cooperation from a total of ten ministries. (AB)