The death toll in the mudslide that paralyzed Rio de Janeiro's metropolitan area earlier in the week has risen to 212, local emergency authorities said Friday.

However, the toll may rise further as at least 150 people are believed to have been buried in the latest mudslide in the city of Niteroi Wednesday evening.

According to the authorities, 161 people were injured in the storms and about 15,000 people fled their homes. Among those displaced, 3,200 people have been taken to improvised shelter in churches and schools.

Most of the deaths in Rio de Janeiro were caused by mudslides that hit shantytowns. Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes signed on Thursday a decree which authorizes the use of force to remove residents who refuse to leave their homes.

Although the measure was sharply criticized, the mayor said he would not change his mind because it was necessary to remove people from the hillsides for safety reasons.