Eight dead as heavy rain thrashes Brazil after long drought

Central and southeastern Brazil have been pounded since Friday by winds reaching 62 miles (100 kilometers) per hour and up to four inches (10 cm) of daily rainfall, according to the National Institute of Meteorology. Seven people died in Sao Paulo, Brazil's most populated state, mainly due to falling trees and walls toppled by violent winds and rain, according to the state civil defense. Blackouts struck large parts of Sao Paulo city, and energy firm Enel said around 1.6 million homes and businesses were still without electricity.