At least 30 individuals lost their lives following severe rainfall in the southeastern region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, as confirmed by local authorities. An additional 39 individuals are currently unaccounted for.
The fatalities were reported in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, located approximately 110 kilometers apart, according to the state fire department. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences and emphasized the importance of providing humanitarian aid, restoring essential services, assisting displaced individuals, and supporting reconstruction efforts.
In Juiz de Fora, around 440 people have been displaced due to flooding and landslides caused by the heavy rain, leading to the closure of municipal schools. Specialized teams have been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations, with 134 officials from the state fire department dispatched to the affected areas.
Gabriel Vitor, a 24-year-old firefighter involved in the response efforts in Juiz de Fora, highlighted the challenging circumstances, emphasizing the importance of collective support in locating missing individuals.
The Brazilian government declared a state of emergency in Juiz de Fora to expedite relief and humanitarian assistance. The city has experienced its wettest February on record, with rainfall levels surpassing double the expected amount for the month.
As Brazil enters the peak of its rainy season, characterized by intense downpours, thunderstorms, and the risk of flooding and mudslides, the National Institute of Meteorology issued heavy rain alerts for multiple states, including Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by Mayor Margarida Salomão, who described it as “critical,” while residents expressed shock and grief over the devastating impact of the disaster.