Officials report that landslides and flash flooding have killed at least 94 people in the Brazilian city of Petrópolis.

The city, which is located in the highlands north of Rio de Janeiro, was flooded.

As floodwaters poured through the city's streets, houses in hillside neighborhoods were devastated and cars were washed away.

The mayor of the city has proclaimed a state of emergency.

Search and rescue teams are combing the mud for survivors, with Brazil's National Civil Defense reporting on Twitter that 24 people have been retrieved alive so far, with 94 confirmed deaths. Social media videos revealed considerable destruction and vehicles floating in the streets.

President Jair Bolsonaro, who is on an official visit to Russia, has stated that he will arrange for urgent assistance for the victims.

More than 180 soldiers have been dispatched, and more specialized search teams are anticipated later Wednesday.

The pouring flood is thought to have ruined 80 dwellings in one of the worst-affected neighborhoods.

Petrópolis, the emperor's former summer palace, is a renowned tourist destination. However, due to its location, it is also prone to landslides.

The deadliest incidence occurred in 2011, when mudslides struck Petrópolis and neighboring communities, killing over 900 people.