Officials: Brazil flood death toll rises to 224

The death toll from mudslides and flooding in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state has risen to 224, its fire department said Sunday, about a week after heavy rains began pounding the coastal region.

Authorities reported on Friday up to 212 people had died after the rains - the worst in decades - triggered mudslides and flooding that devastated poor hillside communities and left thousands homeless in and around Brazil's second-biggest city. (Reuters)