The death toll from the collapse of two residential buildings in western Rio de Janeiro has increased to 24, local authorities said on Monday.

The last dead victim was 35-year-old Adilma Rodrigues, who was rescued alive from the debris on the first day of the rescue, but succumbed to grave injuries. Rodrigues' husband was also killed in the disaster, but fortunately her 10-year-old daughter survived.

Search efforts were concluded after the body of the last missing person was retrieved. Out of the 24 killed, nine were minors, aged from two to 15.

So far, the police have issued warrants for the arrest of three men who are believed to be responsible for construction of the collapsed buildings.

Following search and rescue, the Rio municipal authority plans to demolish 16 buildings, which were built without a license, on the outskirts of the collapse site.

XINHUA