Brazil floods kill 11 people

Floods in Brazil's southern state of Parana have killed 11 people and forced hundreds to flee their homes in a World Cup host city, authorities said Wednesday.

Nearly 500 people were evacuated in Curitiba, the state's capital that also serves as the base camp for defending cup champions Spain, who arrived Sunday.

Nigeria and Iran will play in Curitiba's 43,000-capacity Baixada Arena on June 16 followed by Spain-Australia on June 23.

Authorities had reported nine deaths over the weekend. Most of the victims are in the interior of the state.

The flooding has affected the homes of half a million people to various degrees, civil defense officials said.

More than 33,000 people evacuated their homes, taking refuge with relatives or in shelters.