Heavy rains in coastal areas of Brazil’s south-east have caused flooding and landslides that killed 36 people and displaced hundreds of others, São Paulo state authorities said, writes The Guardian.

Rescue workers are searching for victims, reconnecting isolated communities and clearing blocked roads that trapped an unknown number of tourists who travelled to attend Carnival celebrations.

São Paulo state government said in a statement that 35 died in the city of São Sebastião and a 7-year-old girl was killed in neighbouring Ubatuba.

Weather forecasts showed heavy rains would continue in São Paulo’s coastal area, challenging civil defence and fire department rescue teams and raising the prospect of a higher death toll.

The federal government mobilised several ministries to assist victims, restore infrastructure and start reconstruction work.