The death toll from flooding caused by heavy rains in southern Brazil has risen to at least 66, with 101 people reported missing, civil defense authorities said on Sunday. 

Nearly a week of heavy rain in southern Brazil has so far displaced more than 80,000 people, while many more are waiting to be rescued from the rising waters and mudslides, the officials said. 

Rio Grande do Sul is a key point in the land transport of the Southern Common Market (Mercosur) and also one of the main producers of rice, soybeans and meat in Brazil, whose economy has been damaged due to the weather.  

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is expected to visit Rio Grande do Sul on Sunday.

(With input from agencies)