Relentless heavy rain has caused flooding and landslides in southern Brazil, where at least 47 people have been confirmed dead and more than 60 others are missing.

Overflowing rivers and landslides in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul were caused by the rain, which began last Monday.

Bridges and roads were damaged and houses were engulfed in mud, with dams being at risk of collapsing.

More than 32,000 people had to leave their homes and a total of 420,000 people are said to be without power or water.

Brazil's meteorological authority says the heavy rain will continue through Sunday.

The state authority has declared a state-wide emergency and is calling on people to remain alert.

Increasingly intense rainfall has plagued southern Brazil recently. Last September, more than 50 people were killed in a cyclone that brought devastating rain.