Heavy rains in Brazil leave 58 dead and many others missing 

At least 58 people died after heavy rains hit Petropolis, a city in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, local authorities said on Wednesday.

The area received almost 10 inches (29 centimeters) of rain within three hours on Tuesday, flooding the city’s streets and causing several landslides. As a result, more than 300 people had to evacuate their homes in the region.

Pictures and videos on social media showed trees, houses, and cars being dragged around the city by the landslides.

"The situation is almost like war... Cars hanging from poles, cars overturned, lots of mud and water still," said Rio de Janeiro's Governor Claudio Castro.

More than 180 firefighters are still searching for missing people and survivors. Authorities expect the current death toll to rise as they continue to survey the area.

As equipes seguirão atuando, 24 horas por dia, para socorrer as vítimas e minimizar os danos causados pelas chuvas que atingiram o município. pic.twitter.com/rMflEFF2Hw

— Bombeiros RJ (@cbmerjoficial) February 16, 2022

"The water came very fast and with great force. My loss was 100%. Our life was already tough with the pandemic and less movement, and this tragedy still comes," said a resident of the area.

Heavy rains have hit northeast Brazil and Sao Paulo since late last year, creating deadly floods and landslides. At least 20 people died, and 280 were injured after floods devasted northeast Brazil on December 28.