Over 40 people have died in mudslides in Brazil over the past day, the Rio de Janeiro State government said Friday.
Some 20 bodies were recovered after a mudslide soon after midnight on Friday on the island of Ilha Grande. Dozens were injured and hospitalized, and over 100 people are involved in the rescue and search operation.
Fifteen people died in another mudslide in Angra dos Reis 100 km (62 miles) west of Rio de Janeiro. There were also victims in other mudslides in the country.
Experts said the mudslides were caused by heavy rains in the area before the New Year.
RIO DE JANEIRO, January 2 (RIA Novosti)
