Rio de Janeiro, Feb 2 (IANS/EFE) The number of deaths caused by mudslides triggered by torrential rains in the southeastern Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has risen to 860, authorities said.
Floods and mudslides in the Serrana region, according to figures released by Agencia Brasil news service, have left 416 dead in Nova Friburgo, 346 in Teresopolis, 71 in Petropolis, 21 in Sumidouro, four in Sao Jose do Vale do Rio Preto, and one in Bom Jardim.
Another 429 people remain unaccounted for, the Rio de Janeiro state attorney general’s office said.
The state health department said 8,777 people lost their homes and around 20,790 had to be evacuated.
