A block of flats collapsed in northeastern Brazil on Friday, killing eight people and leaving five others missing, officials said, as rescue teams continued a frantic search overnight for those trapped in the rubble.

Among the victims are two small children, aged 8 and 5 respectively, according to the authorities.

Four occupants managed to be rescued alive, civil protection reported, by 21:30 yesterday Friday (local time; 03:30 today Greek time).

The apartment building was located in the Zanga suburb of Hesifi, capital of the state of Pernambuco (northeast).

Reuters UAV footage showed the four-story building reduced to rubble, with firefighters and rescue workers working at the scene.

The apartment building collapsed early yesterday morning, around 06:35, when many of the occupants were probably sleeping. The reason is not known as of now.

Hesifi, a coastal city of about 1.5 million inhabitants, has experienced heavy rainfall in recent days.

The city and its suburbs were put on “vigilance” earlier yesterday by the authorities. The governor of Pernambuco state, Hakel Lira, warned that heavy rains were expected and advised citizens to take refuge in safe buildings.