Landslides in Teresopolis destroyed buildings and swept cars into trees, witnesses said.
More than 230 people have died in towns near Rio de Janeiro as heavy rains continue to cause flooding and mudslides in south-eastern Brazil.
Overnight downpours triggered landslides in the mountain town of Teresopolis, where 122 were reported to have died.
At least three firefighters were among 97 people killed in mudslides in Nova Friburgo.
Brazil has seen severe flooding this year which has left thousands homeless.
The death toll has been steadily climbing as rescuers reached remote villages in the mountains. Civil defence officials in Nova Friburgo originally said seven people had died, then increased it to 38 and then 97.
Another 18 died in the town of Petropolis, near Teresopolis, Brazilian media reported.
With many people still reported missing it is feared the death toll could rise even further.
Witnesses said rescue teams were using heavy machinery, shovels and bare hands to dig through tons of mud and debris.
Earlier this week, torrential rains in neighbouring Sao Paulo state left 13 people dead and brought traffic chaos to Brazil's biggest city.
In Teresopolis, 100km (62 miles) north of Rio Janeiro, a river burst its banks, submerging buildings, while the rainfall set off several mudslides.
"It's a huge catastrophe, a major disaster," Teresopolis Mayor Jorge Mario told Globo television.
TV footage showed homes destroyed and cars submerged.
"I saw six bodies on my street," 53-year-old resident Antonio Venancio told Reuters news agency.
He said his house was inundated with mud but still standing.
"We just don't know what to do in the face of something so horrible," he added
Civil defence officials in Teresopolis said that in 24 hours it rained 144mm - more than the usual amount for the whole of January.
Sea of mud
Power and telephone lines are down in the three towns, and there is no drinking water, officials say.
Major roads have been cut by floods and landslides, adding traffic chaos to the challenges facing state officials.
Rio de Janeiro Governor Sergio Cabral has asked the navy to provide helicopters to help transport rescue teams to the area.
One resident described the situation just outside Petropolis as a "sea of mud".
"I've lived here 25 years and never seen anything like it," Manoel Candido da Rocha Sobrinho told Folha website.
"I live in a higher spot but when I look down I just see a sea of mud. Most people saved themselves by scrambling up trees or fleeing to higher ground."
Source: BBC
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