BRASILIA -- Authorities reported over the weekend that heavy downpours in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo have resulted into the deaths of three people and affected more than half-a-million residents among whom 3,000 were rendered homeless.

Local media reported on Saturday that the rains triggered a landslide that killed a man and his two daughters in the town of Cariacica. The younger of the two was rushed to a hospital alive. Unfortunately, she died while receiving medical treatment.

The victims' mother and their seven-year-old sister who were sleeping managed to escape in time and were recuperating from injuries at a local hospital.

The state's civil defense department announced in its latest report that a total of 512, 515 people have been affected by the incessant rains, among whom 1,299 were homeless and 1,896 had evacuated from their homes in fear of landslides.  In addition, about 31, 395 structures have sustained damages.

The government had already declared a state of emergency in some other municipalities including the capital city of Vitoria, Joao Neiva and Vila Velha.