Days of devastating mudslides and floods have killed at least 335 people in a mountainous area near Rio de Janeiro.
Rescue operations in the area north of Rio known as the Serrana were suspended because of darkness and dangerous conditions after at least three firemen were killed when they were buried by tonnes of mud.

The full extent of the devastation was unknown because communications and access to the stricken zone were made difficult after roads and bridges were destroyed and telephone services cut.

Officials said the disaster was the worst ever to befall the Serrana, once a getaway for 19th century Brazilian nobility and now a tourist spot for Rio residents.

At least as much rain water as the region usually sees in two or three weeks hit the Serrana before dawn on Wednesday as residents were sleeping.

The downpour triggered mudslides and caused rivers to overflow, carrying away cars, homes and people. Meteorologists blamed the extraordinary rainfall on a cold front that intensified the already heavy wet season.

That cold front moved through Sao Paulo earlier, leaving at least 13 deaths in its wake, before moving on to Rio de Janeiro state. More rain is forecast.

There are fears the toll could climb still further when rescue workers reach remote hamlets.