Extreme levels of rainfall and landslides have killed at least 18 people near the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.
At least 18 people have been killed in landslides and floods caused by torrential rains in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, according to the news agency.
Authorities say more than 180 troops are rescuing the affected Petro area, with fears of an increase in casualties.
Floods have caused severe damage to vehicles and homes after the rains, while several vehicles have been swept away in the floods.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on social networking site Twitter that he had instructed the government to provide immediate assistance to those affected.
Earlier, at least 18 people were killed when landslides and houses collapsed during torrential rains in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo.
Brazil has been experiencing heavy rainfall since the beginning of the year, with 19 deaths recorded earlier this month in the eastern Minas Gerais, which borders Sao Paulo in the northeast.
Rains in December killed at least 21 people and injured 358 others, with the worst flooding coming on December 24 after a couple of dams were run.
Floods have affected the country's corona virus vaccine campaign, with the city of Sao Paulo canceling scheduled vaccinations.
