1. HEAVY RAINS DURING MARCH 1985 CAUSED SEVERE FLOODING IN SIX NORTHEASTERN STATES OF BRAZIL. PRELIMINARY ESTIMATIONS INDICATE A TOTAL OF 240,000 PERSONS SEVERELY AFFECTED AND WITHOUT SHELTER IN CEARA (130,000), MARANHAO (65,000), PIAUI (30,000), RIO GRANDE DO NORTE (15,000) AND PARAIBA AND PERNAMBUCO (2,000). RECENT INFORMATION STATES OVER 80 MUNICIPALITIES REQUIRE ASSISTANCE. FURTHER DETERIORATION OF SITUATION EXPECTED.

2. IMMEDIATE NEEDS IDENTIFIED AS FOOD, MEDICINES AND SHELTER.