Brazilian officials struggled to reach affected areas because of landslides and flooding rains return.

Officials say 500 people known to have died since the worst flooding in decades.

Local media reported the rescuers to reach areas worst affected by foot because vehicles could not enter the closed roads.



Mountainous area north of Rio de Janeiro is the most severely affected due to the heavy rainfall for 44 years.

The rain caused the river mud off the hill, entered the town, flattening homes and tossed cars into the building.

Over five thousand people lost their homes and officials say at least 511 people were killed.

Forecasters predict rain continued to fall in the area will continue until next week.

Rescue workers said the weather caused severe problems.

"The rain did not stop during the early morning and continued in the morning, making it more difficult for the rescue effort," said Lieutenant Rubens Placido firefighters told Reuters news agency from the town of Nova Friburgo.

"The death toll will rise. There are still many people who were buried."