Death Toll from Brazil Landslides Rises to 117

The death toll from torrential rains and floods that hit Brazil rose to 117 people, officials reported Thursday.

Local officials said it could still rise sharply, with 116 more still unaccounted for.

"Working overnight, with poor lighting and soggy ground, is always a challenge. But I'm determined to work tirelessly in our search for survivors," Rio de Janeiro's civil defense head Leandro Monteiro said.

Landslides and flooding had triggered by heavy rainfall in a tourist town in the hills above Rio de Janeiro.

The department noted that more than 180 firefighters and other rescue workers were at the scene in the picturesque hill town of Petropolis, 68 kilometers (42 miles) north of the city of Rio.

In response, the city hall declared a “state of disaster” as images spread on social media of destroyed houses and cars swept away by flooding.

Moreover, shops were completely inundated by the rising waters which gushed down the streets of the historic city center.

On his part, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Twitter that he was keeping abreast of “the tragedy” and asked his ministers to provide “immediate aid to the victims.”