Mudslides cause mayhem in Brazil, 430 killed
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Massive mudslides have killed over 430 people in what is being termed as Brazil's worst disaster in decades. A torrent of thick mud swept away homes, overturned cars and knocked away telephone and power lines.
Image: An aerial view of a neighbourhood partially destroyed by a landslide caused by heavy rains in Nova Friburgo, Brazil
Photographs: Reuters
Mudslides triggered by heavy rains
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The mudslides were triggered by extremely heavy rains on Wednesday morning in an area north of Rio de Janeiro.
Image: The hand of a victim is pictured on the ground after a landslide in Teresopolis, Brazil
Photographs: Bruno Domingos/Reuters
Waves of mud gushed through small towns
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The deluge let loose soil and rocks, and waves of mud gushed through small towns and hamlets, uprooting trees and damaging houses.
Image: Volunteers arrange donations for residents affected by a landslide at a shelter in Teresopolis
Photographs: Bruno Domingos/Reuters
President visits affected areas
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The towns of Novo Friburgo, Teresopolis and Petropolis were the worst affected according to local officials. Officials have warned that the death toll is likely to rise.
President Dilma Rousseff visited Novo Friburgo on Thursday and pledged strong action by the government. She also undertook an aerial survey of the worst-hit regions.
Image: An aerial view of a neighbourhood partially destroyed by a landslide caused by heavy rains in Nova Friburgo
Photographs: Reuters
Thousands displaced by mudslides
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Officials have warned of heavy rains in the days ahead. Authorities have put up makeshift shelters to house the thousands of people who lost their homes to the mudslide.
Image: An aerial view shows a landslide-affected area in Teresopolis
Photographs: Bruno Domingos/Reuters
Remote towns and hamlets completely cut off
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Hundreds of rescuers are working relentlessly, digging through mud and rubble, to locate those who have gone missing after the disaster. Many remote towns and hamlets have been completely cut off by the mudslide, and they are accessible only by helicopters.
Image: An aerial view shows a landslide-affected area in Teresopolis
Photographs: Bruno Domingos/Reuters
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