Flood toll in Brazil exceeds 600
The death toll from the heavy downpour in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has risen to 610, as the search for victims and survivors continued, according to the latest civil defence bulletin. According to the latest figures, the floods and mudslides caused 274 deaths in Nova Friburgo city, 263 in Teresopolis, 55 in Petropolis and 18 in Sumidouro.
The regional government on Saturday declared seven days of official mourning in honour of those who died.
Emergency operations focused on areas that have been inaccessible after being buried under tonnes of mud and stones following the landslides on Wednesday.