The death toll from torrential rains in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais has risen to 46, according to data released yesterday by the state fire service, Reuters reported.
Floods and landslides forced about 3,600 people to flee their homes in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, located about 110 km (68 miles) apart, and 21 people were missing, the fire service added.
In much of Brazil, the peak of rainfall is in the summer - from December to March - and is characterized by frequent intense rainfall, thunderstorms, flooding and mudslides.
The municipal government of Juiz de Fora reported that this was the wettest February in the city's history, with rainfall more than double what was expected for the month.