Rain-triggered floods that hit Rio Grande do Sul state in southern Brazil have been receding at an extremely slow pace, jeopardizing people's livelihoods and disrupting agricultural harvest.

In Porto Alegre, capital of the state, at least eight communities suffered extensive damage from the floods.

Some 35 kilometers from Porto Alegre in Sao Leopoldo, the Rio dos Sinos River with soaring water levels flooded large stretches of farmland.

Brazil's agriculture sector has been hit badly by the catastrophic floods, especially in the harvest season for some main crops, including soybeans, sugar canes and corn.

The swollen river also flooded a community on the morning of June 18, forcing the evacuation of more than 200 families and leaving many houses submerged.

"The water level has fallen a little bit. We're all staying in the gym for the time being, hoping to return home as early as possible," said Anthony, a local resident.

"People affected by the flood are in need of hygiene supplies, food, clothes and shoes. More volunteers have arrived to help us," said Victor, another local resident.

A cyclone slammed the state with torrential rain and strong winds on June 16, causing flooding. The water level of the floods had dropped by just over 10 centimeters after more than two days.

According to a forecast issued by the local meteorological department, Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, and the surrounding areas will be hit by a new round of rain between Wednesday and Friday local time.

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