Mudslides kill 39 in Brazil

Torrential rains and mudslides have killed at least 39 people and destroyed 2712 homes in south-eastern Brazil's Minas Gerais state, leaving more than 8000 homeless, say civil defence officials. They said the downpour and slides had destroyed 21 bridges and damaged the region's main highways.

The most recent victims were said to be two children, aged 1 and 3, killed when their house collapsed on them.

Heavy rains also claimed three lives in the Rio de Janeiro region.