**Heavy rains have caused floods and landslides in Brazil, leaving at least 11 people dead.**Officials said the worst incident had occurred in Jacarepagua, in the western part of Rio de Janeiro state, where a family of five died in a landslide.
The state has been hit by 24 hours of downpours threatening new year celebrations on Copacabana Beach.
Some 200 people had to flee their homes in Baixada Fuminese, in northern Rio, after three rivers burst their banks.
The authorities have urged people in vulnerable areas to move to safety even if it means abandoning their homes.
Weather forecasters expected the rains to continue throughout Thursday.