In Brazil, at least 31 people have been killed in a flood in the state of Rio de Janeiro. <br/><br/>Local officials on Tuesday said the flood, caused by heavy rains from Monday night, has paralyzed traffic in the state capital of Rio de Janeiro, where eight people were killed. <br/><br/>Airports and major railway stations were temporarily closed down and the state government has asked the residents to keep indoors. According to a senior government official, the death toll may rise and the fire brigades are making every effort to rescue people.