Rainstorms in Brazil kill 44 people, many missing

The death toll from days of heavy rains and floods in southeastern Brazil has risen to 44. Authorities said that on Sunday.

In addition to the dead, the number of injured was 12 and the number of missing has dropped from 25 to 19. According to the civil defense official.

The deceased has not yet been identified. Most are buried in mud pits or in crumbling houses.

About 17,000 people were forced to leave their homes in 58 cities across the state of Minas Gerais, including in the capital, Belo Horizonte, as well as in nearby areas, officials said. More than 10,000 people have fled to two neighboring states.