At least 40 dead, many feared buried in mud after Brazil dam collapse; search and rescue operations continue.

The death toll from the collapse of a dam holding back mine waste in southeastern Brazil rose to 40 as searchers flying in helicopters and rescuers labouring in deep mud uncovered more bodies.

Some 50 people were rescued from the sludge and 23 people were taken to hospital.

An estimated 300 people were still missing and authorities expected the death toll to increase during a search made more challenging by intermittent rains.