Rio de Janeiro: More than 30,000 people have been displaced by heavy rains in south-east Brazil that also killed 54 people and left 18 missing.

A vehicle lies half-buried in the mud after a landslide caused by heavy rains in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Credit:AP

The storms in recent days caused floods and landslides, submerging entire neighbourhoods and sending homes tumbling down hillsides in the states of Minas Gerais, Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro. Rains subsided by Monday, but were expected to resume later this week in some areas.

Flooded roads created violent rapids, sweeping up victims, cars and other debris.

Those evacuated were being housed in makeshift shelters in churches, schools and fire stations. Local authorities have asked for donations of clothes, sheets and mattresses for the victims.