At least 25 people have died in southeastern Brazil following torrential rains that triggered widespread flooding and landslides, officials reported on . The state of Minas Gerais is bearing the brunt of the disaster, with the city of Juiz de Fora particularly hard hit.
Devastation in Juiz de Fora and Ubá
The majority of the confirmed fatalities – 18 – occurred in Juiz de Fora, a municipality approximately 310 kilometers north of Rio de Janeiro. Another seven deaths were reported in the nearby city of Ubá, bringing the total confirmed death toll to 25. Rescue operations are ongoing, hampered by continuing rainfall, as authorities search for dozens of people reported missing.
According to Major Demetrius Goulart of the fire brigade, 12 homes were “swept away” in a “massive landslide” in the Parque Burnier suburb of Juiz de Fora. The scale of the destruction suggests many residents were caught unaware, as the disaster unfolded overnight while people were inside their homes. Rescue workers, aided by search dogs, are meticulously combing through the debris in the hope of finding survivors.
Around 440 people have been displaced in Juiz de Fora alone, forcing local authorities to provide temporary shelter and appeal for donations of essential supplies, including water, food, clothing, and hygiene products. The local government has declared three days of official mourning in memory of those who lost their lives.
Government Response and State of Calamity
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed his “deepest condolences” to the families of the victims and those who have lost their homes. His administration has declared a “state of calamity” in Juiz de Fora, a designation intended to expedite the delivery of relief and humanitarian aid. President Lula stated he has mobilized the wider government to support the affected region, prioritizing humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts.
In a statement, the government indicated it would act with the “speed and force this moment requires.” The declaration of a state of calamity is designed to streamline bureaucratic processes and unlock additional resources for the disaster response.
Ongoing Challenges and Search Efforts
The search for missing persons is proving difficult, with rainfall expected to continue in the coming days. Images emerging from Juiz de Fora depict streets transformed into raging rivers, and areas clogged with mud and sludge after a river overflowed its banks. One resident was reportedly seen clinging to an electricity pole, while others waved for help from windows as the floodwaters rose.
Livia Rosa, a 44-year-old seamstress whose relatives are among those missing, described the desperate search efforts. We’ve been here since last night to see if they survive underground… hope is the last thing to die,
she told reporters.
Regional Context and Vulnerability
Southeastern Brazil is periodically affected by heavy rainfall, particularly during the summer months. The mountainous terrain and densely populated urban areas in Minas Gerais make the region particularly vulnerable to landslides and flooding. Deforestation and inadequate urban planning are often cited as contributing factors to the severity of these disasters.
The current crisis underscores the increasing challenges posed by extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. While Brazil has made strides in disaster preparedness, the scale of the devastation in Minas Gerais highlights the need for continued investment in infrastructure, early warning systems, and sustainable land management practices.
The municipality of Juiz de Fora recorded 18 deaths and 40 people missing, while the city of Uba recorded seven deaths and three people missing, according to official figures released on .
The situation remains fluid, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and remain vigilant as the rainfall continues. The focus remains on rescuing those still missing and providing assistance to the thousands of people affected by this latest natural disaster in Brazil.
