Heavy rains falling on the state of Rio de Janeiro since Sunday evening have killed at least 34 people dead and left two missing, the Rio de Janeiro Fire Department said on Monday.
"We have 20 confirmed dead in Petropolis alone and other reports from around the state," said a spokeswoman for the city fire department.
Fourteen people were reported killed in other parts of the state.
The mayors of cities around the state including Petropolis, a popular weekend retreat an hour by car from the city of Rio de Janeiro, have declared states of emergency.
Many of Brazil's poorer neighborhoods and shantytowns have grown up around hills stripped of ground cover to hold soil in place during rains and without the oversight of state safety officials.
At least two of the areas where people died had been condemned by the municipal government for at least three years as high-risk areas for mud slides.
"People that live in deforested areas near hills, or such places of high risk should consult city government (officials) to avoid tragedies," said Joao Carlos Mariano, coordinator of the state's Civil Defense Department.
"People should have technically correct foundations (in their houses) and consult the authorities before doing any construction," he added.
Rains were diminishing over the state on Monday but meteorologists expect light showers to continue another day.
(China Daily December 25, 2001)
