The unusually heavy rains have hit many regions used to downpours but also the arid north-east of Brazil.

BBC: Brazil flood victims return home

Many parts of the country had been badly hit by heavy rains, winds and high waves this year, meteorologists said.

BBC: Floods and landslides in Indonesia kill more than 100

Additionally, Central America was hit by heavy rains at the start of its harvest in October, which are expected to clip production in El Salvador and Guatemala.

WSJ: Trouble Brews in Colombia

Venezuela gives 60 houses to Guatemalans hit by heavy rains.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The new battlefield in Latin America