Floods kill at least five in Brazil

At least five people have died after heavy rains inundated the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro; 400 others are left homeless.

Officials say the amount of rain that fell from Friday to Saturday supersedes the amount expected for the entire month of April.

(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) FIRE FIGHTER, SERGIO SIMOES, SAYING:

"We knew about a rain forecast in the mountainous region, but nothing like this. It rained around 100 up to 256 millimeters in different areas of the city. Of course it was a lot of rain in a really short space of time."

With heavy rain comes mudslides... at least 20 were reported around the region.

This woman said her neighbour was carried off by a landslide and is now missing.

Search and rescue efforts continue for dozens of others reported missing.

Julie Noce, Reuters