The number of victims of the consequences of heavy rains in the northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco rose to 84, TV channel Globo reported with reference to the Governor of the region Paulo Camara.

Earlier it was informed about 56 dead. Authorities are still searching for another 56 people who have been reported missing. It was also previously reported that 25 local residents were injured and more than 4,000 were left homeless. According to the National Civil Defense Service, another person died in similar circumstances in the neighboring state of Alagoas in Pernambuco.

Heads of several ministries have arrived in the region to coordinate the federal government's efforts. President Jair Bolsonaro is expected to visit the region on Monday.

The downpours have not stopped in the city of Recife (Pernambuco State) and its surroundings for several days. According to the weather service, up to 150 mm of rain fell in the area during Saturday morning hours alone, leading to flooding and landslides. A state of emergency was declared in the capital and 13 other municipalities of the region.