At least 51 people have died in mudslides...

Some 20 people died and dozens were injured after a Friday"s mudslide on the island of Ilha Grande.

At least 22 people were reportedly killed in another mudslide in Angra dos Reis, some 100 km (62 miles) west of Rio de Janeiro. There were also victims in other mudslides in the country.

The mudslides were caused by heavy rains which hit the area earlier this week.

Authorities in Rio de Janeiro declared on Friday three days of mourning for the victims of the mudslides.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was quoted by the TV channel as saying he would send marine and naval forces to help rescuers recover bodies which were believed to be trapped under the mud in remote coastal areas.

MOSCOW, January 3 (RIA Novosti)