Brazil storm death toll rises to 54 / Photo: Fernando MARRON - AFP
-
Bangkok food vendor curbs push city staple from the streets
-
More Nepalis drive electric, evading global fuel shocks
-
Latecomer Japan eyes slice of rising global defence spending
-
Messi goal not enough as Miami collapse in 4-3 loss to Orlando
-
German fertiliser makers and farmers struggle with Iran war fallout
-
OPEC+ to make first post-UAE production decision
-
Massive crowds fill Rio's Copacabana beach for Shakira concert
-
Embiid, Maxey shine as 76ers eliminate Celtics in NBA playoffs
-
Fleeting freedom at festival for India's transgender community
-
Trump says cutting US troop numbers in Germany 'way down'
-
Man charged with murdering Indigenous girl in Australian outback
-
China's Wu Yize wins last-frame thriller to reach snooker world final
-
Serene Korda takes three-shot lead at LPGA Mexico
-
Golden Tempo wins Kentucky Derby in historic triumph for trainer DeVaux
-
King Charles grasped 'opportunity' on US trip, palace says
-
China's Wu wins last-frame thriller to reach snooker world final
-
Verstappen sees light at the end of tunnel
-
Young stretches PGA lead to six at Doral
-
Rio's Copacabana beach hosts massive crowd for free Shakira concert
-
Celtics' Tatum ruled out for decisive game seven against Sixers
-
Wolff heralds Antonelli speed as teen joins Senna and Schumacher in record books
-
Senior Iranian officer says fresh conflict with US 'likely'
-
Barcelona on verge of Liga title, Villarreal secure top four
-
Teen F1 leader Antonelli takes Miami Grand Prix pole
-
Porto edge Alverca to clinch Portuguese league title
-
US airlines step up as Spirit winds down
-
Barcelona on verge of La Liga title defence with win at Osasuna
-
Drugmaker asks US Supreme Court to restore abortion pill access
-
Schalke return to Bundesliga after three-year absence
-
NATO, top Republicans question US troop withdrawal from Germany
-
Napoli frustrate Como in costly Serie A stalemate
-
Illegal party at French military site draws up to 40,000 ravers
-
Arsenal hit stride to go six points clear, West Ham loss offers Spurs hope
-
Arsenal go six points clear as Gyokeres double sinks Fulham
-
Clinical Chennai down Mumbai to keep playoff hopes alive
-
Napoli and Como play out goalless draw in Serie A
-
Murphy into World Snooker Championship final after edging Higgins
-
PSG held by Lorient with fringe team ahead of Bayern Munich return leg
-
Aviation companies step up as Spirit winds down
-
Champion Norris leads Piastri home in sprint 1-2 triumph for McLaren
-
UK PM says some pro-Palestinian marches could be banned
-
The Puma out of Kentucky Derby, leaving 19 starters
-
'Bookless bookstore': audio-only book shop opens in New York
-
Kostyuk defeats Andreeva to claim first Madrid Open title
-
Leinster survive Toulon scare to reach Champions Cup final
-
Villarreal secure Champions League spot, rotated Atletico win
-
'Relieved' Inoue outlasts Nakatani in Tokyo Dome superfight
-
Israel quizzes two Gaza flotilla activists, angering Spain
-
West Ham defeat gives Spurs hope, Arsenal face Fulham test
-
Second-string Bayern held by Heidenheim before PSG clash
Brazil storm death toll rises to 54
The death toll from floods and landslides in southeast Brazil has risen to 54 people, the authorities said Friday, as Pope Frances sent a message of condolences.
"So many of you are missing, so many have suffered... I send you my closeness, the assurance of my prayer. May God bless you," the Argentine pontiff said in a video broadcast by the official portal Vatican News.
According to the Sao Paulo state government, about 30 people are still missing after more than an entire February's worth of rain fell in 24 hours on the picturesque beach resort town of Sao Sebastiao and surrounding areas last weekend.
Authorities said the largest daily rainfall ever registered in Brazil triggered violent floods and landslides that tore through precariously built hillside communities.
"So far 54 deaths have been confirmed," said the Sao Paulo state government, including 15 children.
Search and rescue operations are continuing in areas where some 4,000 people were displaced from their homes.
An estimated 9.5 million of Brazil's 215 million people live in areas at high risk of flooding or landslides -- mainly poor favela neighborhoods.
The South American country has been hit by a series of deadly weather disasters in recent years, which experts say are likely being made worse by climate change.
M.Robinson--AT
