3:18pm UK, Sunday January 16, 2011
A woman who was pulled out of raging flood waters in Brazil has spoken of her dramatic rescue and losing her beloved pet.
Ilair Pereira de Souza, 53, was helped by her neighbours when a river burst its banks in her hometown of Sao Jose do Vale do Rio Preto about 68 miles north of Rio de Janeiro
At least 611 people have died in the country after rains triggered flooding and landslides that tore through mountain villages and towns, in some cases burying families as they slept.
Ms Souza said: "The water had already reached the garage then I told my son 'let's find a way to solve this'.
"But he said: 'Mum let's leave, the walls are already collapsing, leave those things behind'.
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"Then when I made it to the front door, the walls started to collapse and I was forced to go upstairs with my dog.
"I had to let go of my dog and the stronger water currents then came crashing down and took my house."
More than 13,500 people have been left homeless in what has become one of the country's worst natural disasters.
Survivors of the mudslides are continuing to carry food, water and blankets to friends, neighbours and relatives still stranded in remote, stricken villages with more severe thunderstorms predicted.
Local and state fire departments say they have deployed 2,500 rescuers but 11 helicopters sent to airlift those in need have had difficulty flying through the low clouds and steady rain.
Police have said they have been too occupied with keeping order to deliver aid.
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