Brazil's Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira has said the country's most populous region is experiencing its worst drought since 1930, BBC News reports.

The states of Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais must save water, she said after an emergency meeting in the capital, Brasilia. Ms Teixeira described the water crisis as "delicate" and "worrying".

Industry and agriculture are expected to be affected, further damaging Brazil's troubled economy.

The drought is also having an impact on energy supplies, with reduced generation from hydroelectric dams.

The crisis comes at a time of high demand for energy, with soaring temperatures in the summer months.