STORY: Heavy rains that began Thursday night (March 23) in Rio Branco, Arce's capital, have left some 60 families homeless, according to local authorities.

The city council declared a state of emergency after seven rivers overflowed their banks and set up nine shelters for flood victims.

According to local officials, some 36 neighbourhoods in Rio Branco have been affected by the rains.

No deaths have yet been reported from the floods.