Brazil flood death toll hits 270

Flooding and mudslides triggered by days of flooding in southeastern Brazil has killed as many as 270 people, most of them in a mountainous region near Rio de Janeiro.

Heavy tropical rain sent hillsides sweeping into towns and rivers broke their banks in the Serrana mountain region, north of Rio, killing at least 237 people on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The deaths added to 13 counted in Sao Paulo Monday and Tuesday, where flood waters also hampered the transportation system.

The worst hit town of Teresopolis — about 62 miles (about 100 km) north of Rio — counted 114 deaths, according to a tally given to AFP by the mayor’s office.

“It’s the worst catastrophe in Teresopolis’s history,” the state environment secretary, Carlos Minc, said.

With about 50 people reported missing just in Teresopolis, the death toll was expected to increase, according to the city’s mayor, Jorge Mario.

“Rescue teams are still arriving in the areas that have been worst affected,” he said, adding that about 1,000 people had been left without a roof over their head.