The city of Ilhota in the hard-hit state of Santa Catarina has recorded 37 fatalities , the most of any municipality , Agencia Brasil said . NEW : Authorities warn about health risks of flood-contaminated water , food . Floods in southern US blamed for 79,000 deaths , state news agency says . 19 people homeless , 79,000 missing ; landslides caused much of the damage . Ilhota president releases almost $ 1 billion in aid to affected areas .
NEW : Authorities warn about health risks of flood-contaminated water , food . Floods in southern US blamed for 79,000 deaths , state news agency says . 19 people homeless , 79,000 missing ; landslides caused much of the damage . Ilhota president releases almost $ 1 billion in aid to affected areas .