The death toll from landslides and floods caused by record rainfall in southeastern Brazil has risen to 53, TRT World reported.
At least 44 people have died in the state of Minas Gerais, with another 9 deaths reported in the neighboring state of Espirito Santo. 19 people are reported missing. About 20 thousand people were evacuated due to the threat of floods and landslides.
The state capital of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, received 171 mm of rainfall over a 24-hour period Thursday through Friday, the highest rainfall in 110 years.
State Governor Gustavo Zema has declared a state of emergency in 99 cities. This measure aims to facilitate the provision of federal disaster relief. He also declared three days of mourning for the victims of floods and landslides.
Espirito Santo state officials said they are on maximum alert due to continued rains.
In the city of Alegre, authorities warned that there was a danger of the dam collapsing and called on residents of nearby settlements to evacuate.
Another 2 thousand people were forced to leave their homes in the city of Itaperuna, Rio de Janeiro.
