RIO DE JANEIRO — At least eight people died in Rio de Janeiro state because of landslides and floods caused by heavy rains Thursday, Brazilian authorities said. A 6-year-old was listed as missing in the countryside city of Mendes.
Four of the dead, including an 8-month-old, were members of the same family in the city of Barra do Pirai, officials said. A landslide destroyed the family's house.
More than 100 people were left homeless across the state, according to mayors of different cities.
The state government warned that there was still a high possibility of more floods and landslides in 10 cities, including in Rio de Janeiro city.
Local media reported several cases of desperate residents working as improvised rescue teams in an attempt to save lives. Firefighters and police had not yet reached some hard-hit areas.
