Brazilian police are conducting patrols on jet skis after flooding in southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul State brought with it a series of crimes including robberies and looting.

Video footage shows heavily armed officers using the skis to inspect abandoned houses and a looted petrol station as they patrol the flood-drenched streets at night.

The flooding was a result of heavy rain that began less than two weeks ago. More rain fell on Sunday and further rainfall is expected on Monday

The death toll from the heavy rains rose to 143, the local civil defence government body said on Sunday.

“Only with boats and jet skis is it possible to provide a response in the fight against looting,” police captain Ricardo Gruner said.

 “The entire urban area of the city is under water, so there are obstacles. We’re constantly faced with traffic signs, garbage cans and submerged vehicles.”