The number of people killed in a mudslide in the south-eastern Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro rose to 12 on Tuesday while more than 20 others remained missing, according to dpa. After days of heavy rain in the area, the mudslide early Monday in the town of Sapucaia, about 150 kilometres north-east of Rio deJaneiro, buried eight homes. Persistent rain has hampered rescue efforts. "There is no hope of finding any survivors," said Sapucaia Mayor Anderson Zanon. Those missing include a family caught by the mud as they tried to flee in their car. Close to 100 people were evacuated from the area.