Brazil storm death toll tops 500

Local media quoted officials from Serrana region as saying that at least 506 people has died in the disaster, making it the worst natural catastrophe in the state's history.

The small town of Nova Friburgo was the worst hit, with 225 deaths. A total of 223 deaths were registered in the nearby Teresopolis, 39 in Petropolis and another 19 in the village of Sumidouro.

The death toll has surpassed the 437 fatalities in a 1967 mudslide disaster in the country.

With many neighborhoods and even entire municipalities losing external links due to blocked roads and mudslides, the death toll is still expected to rise significantly, said the authorities.

Some 13,000 people had to leave their homes and 6,000 of them were taken to makeshift shelters in schools and sports gyms. Several areas still do not have electricity, which makes it harder for firemen to carry out the rescue work at night. Water and telephone services have not been reestablished either. Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.xinhuanet.com for full version