The death toll from Brazil's floods and massive mudslides jumped to 613 on Sunday, according to state-owned Agência Brasil.
In Nova Friburgo, the number of deaths jumped from 264 to 267, while in Teresópolis the toll went from 253 to 257, both cities located northeast of Rio de Janeiro. Petrópolis now registers 49 and Sumidouro continues with 18 victims, the agency reported based on an official bulletin.
As torrential rains continue, thousands of people are being displaced and left homeless. In Petrópolis, 3,600 people were displaced and 2,800 have lost their homes. In Teresópolis, there are 960 displaced people and 1,280 homeless, while in Nova Friburgo there are 3220 displaced and 1,970 homeless.
Critics say that better communication between the State Civil Defense and the 92 affected municipalities could have saved hundreds of lives. Meanwhile, officials have blamed lax government safety measures regarding the construction of houses on steep slopes for the high number of victims.
