Brazil: flooding and landslides kill dozens in São Paulo state

Cities cancel carnival festivities as rescue workers search for victims and clear roads

At least 36 people have died and dozens are missing after torrential rain brought flooding and landslides to coastal areas of south-east Brazil over the weekend as the country geared up for its annual carnival celebrations.

Rescue efforts continued in Sao Paulo state on Monday as more than 500 workers searched for victims, cleared roads and tried to reconnect isolated communities.