Roads blocked by debris after deadly Brazil floods

STORY: President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday visited areas hit by the devastating rainfall.

According to the Sao Paulo state government, Sao Sebastiao was the epicentre of flooding as 35 deaths were reported there, but heavy rainfall also affected nearby towns such as Ilhabela, Caraguatatuba and Ubatuba, where one casualty was reported.

The devastating rains came amid Brazil's Carnival holiday period, when thousands flock to the region's beaches, likely aggravating the human toll of the natural disaster.

More than 2,000 people had been forced from their homes, the government added.