Flooding in Rio de Janeiro state claims scores of lives

The deluge brought mudslides and floods into the town of Teresopolis

More than 80 people have died in towns near Rio de Janeiro as heavy rains continue to cause flooding and mudslides in south-eastern Brazil.

Overnight downpours triggered landslides in the mountain town of Teresopolis, where more than 50 were reported to have died.

At least three firefighters were among several people buried in mudslides in Nova Friburgo.

Brazil has seen severe flooding this year which has left thousands homeless.

The death toll is expected to climb as rescuers reach remote villages in the mountains. One report, compiling official and media figures, put the toll so far at 93.

This week, torrential rains in neighbouring Sao Paulo state left 13 people dead and brought traffic chaos to Brazil's biggest city.

In Teresopolis, 100km (62 miles) north of Rio Janeiro, a river burst its banks, submerging buildings, while the rainfall set off several mudslides.

"It's a huge catastrophe, a major disaster," Teresopolis Mayor Jorge Mario told Globo television.

He said about another 50 people were still missing.

TV footage showed homes destroyed and cars submerged.

Civil defence officials in Teresopolis said that in 24 hours it rained 144mm - more than the usual amount for the whole of January.

Sea of mud

In Nova Friburgo, north-east of Rio, at least eight people were believed to have been killed in mudslides, including at least three firefighters, a civil defence spokesperson said.

An elderly couple died in the town of Petropolis, near Teresopolis, Brazilian media reported.

Power and telephone lines are down in the three towns, and there is no drinking water, officials say.

Rio de Janeiro Governor Sergio Cabral has asked the navy to provide helicopters to help transport rescue teams to the area.

One resident described the situation just outside Petropolis as a "sea of mud".

"I've lived here 25 years and never seen anything like it," Manoel Candido da Rocha Sobrinho told Folha website.

"I live in a higher spot but when I look down I just see a sea of mud. Most people saved themselves by scrambling up trees or fleeing to higher ground."