Brasilia, Feb 23 (UNI/Xinhua) The death toll rose to 185 from record rainfalls and subsequent mudslides and floods in the Brazilian city of Petropolis, north of Rio de Janeiro, local authorities said Tuesday. Over 400 rescue workers had to suspend their rescue operations on Tuesday due to the ongoing heavy rains and the risk of new mudslides, as 85 people were still missing, said the fire department of Rio de Janeiro state. Governor of Rio de Janeiro Claudio Castro said Feb. 15 saw the heaviest rainfall since 1932.
Businesses started to reopen on Tuesday, while people continued to clean up houses, historic buildings and the downtown area. Some 620 tons of earth and debris generated by the mudslides and floods have been removed so far, according to the waste collection company.