RIO DE JANEIRO – The number of people killed in a flooding disaster near Rio de Janeiro last week could top 1,000, according to official figures released on Friday showing 400 people still missing.
The latest confirmed toll of recovered bodies from the flash floods and mudslides that struck the Serrana mountain region near Rio January 12 stood at 759.
Most of the 400 people reported missing were presumed dead, as emergency workers and soldiers continued to dig through mud and debris looking for more bodies.
