Brazilian authorities have rushed aid to those left homeless and facing the threat of disease after heavy flooding killed at least 86 people and displaced about 54,000 in the country.

As many as 100,000 people also remain isolated by floodwaters following torrential rains that were the heaviest to hit the southern state of Santa Catarina since 1961.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian president, has authorised $881 million in emergency relief funds on Wednesday to aid those hit hard by the flooding.

The Brazilian Civil Defense agency said that although the official death toll was 86 more than 100 people were likely to have lost their lives and 30 people were still missing.

Helicopters, some provided by the government and others donated by businesses, have rescued more than 1,000 people, but the authorities say more needs to be done.

"The situation remains complicated," Army Lieutenant Colonel Jose Henrique Ruffo told Brazil's Globo TV channel.

"The cities in the south still cannot be reached, it's going to take some time."

Shops looted

In the cities of Blumenau and Itajai, among the worst hit by the floods, people ransacked supermarkets and grocery stores in search of food, local officials said.

"Many haven't had food or water in four or more days, they're hungry," Major Sergio Murillo de Mello, commander of the Itajai fire department, told the Reuters news agency.

The spread of disease was now a major concern, said de Mello.

"Sewage water spilled into the streets and with people homeless and walking barefoot, it's a big concern," he said.

Jose Temporao, the minister of health, travelled to the region to help co-ordinate rescue efforts and announced the shipment of 17 tonnes of medical supplies, including antidotes for snake bites.