Authorities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil report that at least 11 people have died as a result of an extratropical cyclone that hit the area on Friday.

In a news release, the government of Rio Grande do Sul stated that 20 more people had gone missing as a result of the storm’s severe rains and that helicopter searches are currently being conducted in flooded communities.

One of the worst hit on the cyclone’s trail was the town of Caraa, with a population of over 8,000 people.

“The situation in Caraa deeply worries us. It is essential that we can, in an organized way, quickly map the main affected areas and identify the people who need support,” said Rio Grande do Sul’s governor, Eduardo Leite, who visited the area.

As of Friday night, Maquine, a municipality on the eastern coast, had received around a foot of rain, authorities said.

Many residents in affected areas have taken shelter in outdoor sports facilities in their towns. The authorities have issued a warning for a risk of landslides in several areas.

Leite says authorities have carried out 2,400 rescues in the last two days.

“Our main objective at this first moment is to protect and save human lives. We are rescuing people who are stranded, locating missing people and giving all the support to the families,” he said.

Deadly flooding in Brazil is common and has caused devastation for decades.