Death toll rises to 217 in Brazil from heavy rains

The death toll rose to 217 from heavy rains and mudslides in the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro, media reports said Friday.

Thirty-three people are still missing after recent floods and landslides in Petropolis, north of the state, according to local media.

Search and rescue efforts continue to find the missing.

More than 900 people have been housed in shelters.

Petropolis experienced landslides Feb. 15 in many parts of the city because of heavy rains.