Section of Olympic torch relay cancelled amid floods

Athletes attend the first-leg Olympic torch relay at the Mane Garrincha National Stadium in Brasilia May 3, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

RIO DE JANEIRO - A section of the Rio 2016 Olympic torch relay has been cancelled due to severe flooding in Brazil's northeastern region, organizers said on Wednesday.

The flame was scheduled to pass through the city of Olinda, in Pernambuco state, on Thursday, along with celebrations featuring live music and cultural activities.

In a statement, local government officials said Olinda's torchbearers would instead carry the flame in the adjacent city of Recife.

"We regret not being able to participate in this important event but our priority is to focus our efforts to help the people of Olinda, who have suffered the consequences of this emergency," Olinda's city government said.

The Olympic torch began its 95-day journey through more than 300 Brazilian cities on May 3.

In total, the torch will traverse more than 19,000km in South America's largest nation, passing through 26 state capitals.

Each of the 10,000 bearers will carry the torch for no more than 300 metres.

The relay will culminate with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony at Rio's Maracana stadium on August 5.