At least 25 people have died and 43 are missing. Firefighters, sniffer dogs and volunteers are searching through mud and debris. About 440 residents have left their homes and schools are closed. Juiz de Fora recorded 584 millimetres of rain in February, the highest on record.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared a state of emergency and promised federal aid, while more rain is forecast.
