By FELIPE DANA and TALES AZZONI
Associated Press Writers
ANGRA DOS REIS, Brazil – A rain-loosened slab of hillside collapsed on three houses and a waterfront lodge after New Year celebrations at a resort city near Rio de Janeiro, killing at least 15 people, Brazilian authorities said.
About 120 rescuers scrambled through mud and around toppled trees and large rocks to search for other survivors of the mudslide that also injured at least 10 people early Friday. Police helicopters and navy vessels were helping in the rescue efforts.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva offered Brazil’s navy and other government assistance to help rescue and aid victims, Rio de Janeiro Vice Gov. Luiz Fernando Pezao told Globo TV.