Constant heavy rain in southeast Brazil forced thousands of people to flee their homes as many areas became overwhelmed by flooding and mudslides. Authorities say the hardest hit states are Minas Gerais, Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. At least 116 cities have declared a state of emergency as the death toll rose to 29.
A mudslide Sapucaia, Rio de Janeiro on Monday was responsible for at least 13 of the fatalities. A member of the local fire department said nine houses were buried in the mudslide. Fourteen people remain missing and are likely buried in the rubble. Authorities also confirmed at least one person died in the city of Laje do Muriae. In Minas Gerais state, flooding is responsible for 15 deaths.
Authorities say transportation and communication is difficult in many of the hard hit areas because of downed power lines and blocked or flooded roads.
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