Twelve people were killed and 10 were missing after flash floods triggered by heavy rains in the southern Brazilian town of Itaoca, officials have said in an updated toll.

Sao Paulo state’s civil defence department had earlier put the death toll at 10 and added that 332 people or about 10 per cent of the town’s population were left homeless by overflowing waters from the Palmital River.

Itaoca, located 340 km southwest of Sao Paulo, was still without power and drinking water, and 100 homes were affected. Some 50 homes were also damaged in the nearby town of Apiai, they had said yesterday.

Sao Paulo Governor Geraldo Alckmin warned of an “extremely serious” situation as he toured the area on Monday.

And the misery is not over yet. Forecasters are predicting more rains in the area over the next few days.

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