At least 19 die as hillside collapses above island resort

A RAIN-loosened slab of hillside collapsed on three houses and an upmarket waterfront lodge after New Year celebrations at an island resort near Rio de Janeiro, killing at least 19 people, with the death toll expected to rise.

The mudslide at the Pousada Sankay resort apparently occurred after tourists returned to their rooms following the New Year celebration at the lodge on Ilha Grande, a 90-minute ferry ride from Angra dos Reis.

About 120 rescuers scrambled through mud and around toppled trees and large rocks to search for survivors of the mudslide that also injured at least ten people.

Police helicopters and navy vessels were helping in the rescue efforts.

The hotel, which can accommodate 50 guests, was reportedly full at the time.

Ten people died earlier in the day in another mudslide in the nearby city of Angra dos Reis, and local authorities said nearly 80 mudslides were reported throughout the region.

Rain-related deaths in Rio de Janeiro state from three days of heavy rain reached 47, officials said, and more rain was predicted across the region.

Other mudslides killed 20 people across Rio de Janeiro state on Thursday, mostly in shanties which had collapsed under mud or rain.