Brazil: Missing from floods drops, deaths up

[June 25, 2010]  BRANQUINHA, Brazil (AP) -- Brazilian officials say the number of those still missing from flooding dropped to 76 -- while those killed ticked up to 51.

Torrential rains that triggered widespread flooding across the northeastern portion of Brazil sent swollen rivers rushing from their banks last weekend. Entire towns were flattened. And more than 1,000 people were initially registered as missing.

But the Civil Defense department says Friday there are now just 76 people missing. And authorities believe most of those are safe, just unable to contact family members because of downed electricity and no telephone service.

Authorities also said six more bodies were discovered late Thursday, pushing the death toll up.

With rains subsiding, rescuers are intensifying their efforts.

[Associated Press]

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