By Steve Kingstone BBC correspondent in Sao Paulo

The state of Rio de Janeiro bore the brunt of the extreme weather, which began on Saturday and is expected to continue throughout the weekend.

About 2,000 people have been forced to leave their homes by the rains that have left large parts of the state of Rio de Janeiro underwater.

Worst hit is the Baixada Fluminense region - home to some of the area's poorest people.

In all, 10 local authorities have declared a state of emergency. At least seven people are known to have died.

Among them a 66-year-old woman and a four-year-old girl. Five of the victims were buried when mudslides caused their homes to collapse.

Two men were killed when an electricity pole fell on top of them.

The combination of heavy rain and mudslides has destroyed around 300 houses. Another 2,000 people have been forced to leave their homes until the weather eases.

The rain, which began in the early hours of Saturday, is expected to continue until at least Monday.

The Brazilian authorities say the number of victims may rise, as several people remain unaccounted for.