Officials in the city of Jundiai said a family died when their house collapsed because of a mudslide triggered by downpours. -Reuters File Photo

SAO PAULO: Brazilian authorities say a couple and their two young daughters have died in a mudslide in Sao Paulo state, bringing the death toll from heavy flooding to at least 35 people. More than 30,000 people across the country have been forced out of their homes.

Officials in the city of Jundiai said Thursday the family died when their house collapsed because of a mudslide triggered by downpours. The girls were 4 and 9 years old.

The worst-hit state is Minas Gerais, where civil defense authorities said Thursday that 16 people either drowned or were buried in mudslides. More than 13,000 were forced to seek shelter.

Heavy rains have been pummeling Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo states since Christmas.