Amman, February 24 (Petra) – At least 20 people have been killed and scores are missing in southeastern Brazil after heavy rains triggered severe flooding and landslides, local authorities announced on Tuesday.

More than 400 people were forced to evacuate their homes in the state of Minas Gerais after torrential rainfall began on Monday.

The downpours caused a river to overflow, leading to landslides and the collapse of several buildings. The mayor of Juiz de Fora declared a state of emergency as heavy rainfall continued to batter the area.

Official data show that this month has been the wettest on record in Juiz de Fora, a city of approximately 540,000.

Lieutenant Henrique Barcelos, spokesperson for the Minas Gerais Fire Department, said rescue teams are responding to "flooding incidents, landslides and structural risks along riverbanks and in areas near the Paraibuna River," which has overflowed its banks.

//Petra// AK