Heavy rains kill 11 in landslides in Rio de Janeiro

International Desk: At least 11 people died in floods and landslides after heavy rains in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. On Sunday night (local time), the streets of the city of Rio de Janeiro were flooded and turned into rivers due to heavy rain, fire service officials said.

The rain inundated city roads, metro lines in the state capital and homes of local residents. Many trees were uprooted and landslides occurred due to the force of water. Water reached the roofs of cars on Avenida de Brasil, one of Brazil's best-known city's main thoroughfares, Reuters reported.

At least 11 people died in the flash flood and landslide. A woman went missing after her car fell into the river. Bus service was stopped on many lines. Metro stations were also closed due to undermining of tracks. Rio Mayor Eduardo Pais has declared a state of emergency after some parts of the city received the equivalent of the entire month of January in just 24 hours.

He urged residents not to leave their homes. He thinks it will be easier for emergency department workers to carry out rescue operations. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has offered to send central government assistance. Eight towns in Rio de Janeiro state are still at high risk of landslides, the disaster ministry said.