Heavy rain in north-eastern Brazil has caused
widespread flooding
More than 600 people are
missing after days of heavy rain in north-eastern Brazil triggered
deadly floods, officials say.
At least 31 people are known to have died so far and tens of
thousands have had to flee their homes.
Correspondents say the floods have washed away entire villages in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco.
The governor of Alagoas, Teotonio Vilela Filho, said bodies were being washed up on beaches and riverbanks.
"We are praying for the missing to be found alive," he said,
before holding talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
More than 1,000 miles of roads have been washed away by the rains, hindering the delivery of aid to affected areas.
Many rivers in Alagoas state have burst their banks Rescue teams are airlifting people out of the worst-affected areas by helicopter.
The town of Quebrangulo in Alagoas is reportedly 80% submerged, forcing thousands of residents to flee to higher ground.
The army and navy are helping with the rescue efforts.
In 2009, flooding killed at least 44 people and displaced hundreds of thousands in the same region.