At least 33 people have been killed by floods in southern Brazil after days of torrential rain.

The storms, which also triggered mudslides, have forced 20,000 people from their homes in Catarina state.

Teams have been working around the clock using helicopters and motorboats to rescue those left stranded by the floods.

More than ten people died in Blumenau, where town officials declared a state of emergency late on Sunday. Seven more died in the town of Jaragua do Sul.

At least one town has been forced to ration water due to purification problems and 250,000 have been left without power.

"The big challenge on Monday will be supplying the shelters with medicines and food," Blumenau Mayor Joao Paulo Kleinubing said.