Reuters

At least 18 people have died in Brazil and more than 40 are missing after torrential rain and landslides hit coastal areas in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

The death toll is expected to rise further as firefighters and rescue crews are continuing to search for missing people.

Reuters

Worst hit is São Paulo state, where at least 13 deaths have been reported.

Among the victims are a mother and her child, as well as two firefighters. They were trying to rescue the child who was buried under the rubble when a second landslide hit.

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In the Guarujá municipality, a number of houses were swept away by landslides.

Reuters

Local residents are helping the firefighters in the search and clean-up operation.

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