AKIPRESS.COM - At least 40 inmates have been found dead at separate prisons in northern Brazil a day after 15 prisoners were killed in gang clashes, officials say, BBC reports.

The latest deaths, which were reported in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas state, all appeared to be the result of asphyxiation, authorities said.

They added that staff had discovered the victims during routine inspections at four different prison facilities.

A task force has been sent to "control the disturbances," officials said.

Several other inmates were injured in Monday's incidents, according to Brazil's Globo news website (in Portuguese).

The majority of the victims were discovered at the Antônio Trindade institute near Manaus, while deaths were also reported at the Puraquequara and Provisional Detention Center facilities in Amazonas state.