AKIPRESS.COM - At least nine people have been killed by flash floods in Rio de Janeiro, BBC reports.

The mayor has declared a crisis after the Brazilian city was battered by heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday.

More than 31cm of rain (13 inches) fell in some parts of the city within 24 hours, the mayor's office said.

Roads were closed by flooding and fallen trees.

Large parts of the city have been affected including Copacabana.

Residents have been warned to go outside only if they absolutely need to.

Mayor Marcelo Crivella said that the rains were "abnormal". He added that the worst affected areas were the southern and western zones of the city.