Florianopolis, Brazil  - The death toll from heavy rains in southern Brazil reached 112 by the end of the week, as fears grew of possible health epidemics among more than 1 million people affected by the storms.

The epidemiology division of Santa Catarina province said it was monitoring at least 10 suspected cases of leptosirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted from rodents via unclean drinking water or pets. It said other illnesses such as hepatitis and tetanus are also common during flooding crises.

Provincial authorities said an estimated 80,000 people were forced to flee their homes due to flooding. Weather reports showed the rains would likely continue with the arrival of a new cold front into the area.

On Saturday, the search for at least 19 people missing under mudslides was halted by new storms, rescue officials said.

The local government authorized military police to use force if necessary to complete the evacuations of the worst-hit zones.

The Brazilian Air Force set up a field hospital staffed by 40 doctors and 40 other health professionals to attend to an average of 400 patients per day. (dpa)