Sao Paulo  - At least for people were killed Thursday when a dam broke in north-eastern Brazil after heavy rains, officials said.

A concrete dam burst along a 50-metre crack, unable to withstand increased water pressure after the river feeding a reservoir rose following weeks of heavy rain, officials in the state of Piaui said.

About 500 families were forced to leave their homes in Piaui due to the floods. Eighty people were injured and 11 reported missing.

The region has been hit by strong rains for several weeks, causing the deaths of 50 people since early April. (dpa)