At least 30 individuals perished following intense rainfall in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, as reported by local officials on Tuesday. Additionally, 39 individuals were reported missing. The state fire department confirmed the fatalities occurred in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, approximately 110 kilometers apart.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva extended his sympathies in a social media post, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian aid, essential services restoration, support for displaced individuals, and reconstruction assistance. In Juiz de Fora, around 440 residents have been displaced due to flooding and landslides caused by the heavy rains, leading to the closure of municipal schools.
Specialized response teams have been activated to manage incidents and locate missing persons. The state fire department dispatched 134 personnel to Juiz de Fora and Uba to aid in these efforts. Gabriel Vitor, a 24-year-old firefighter stationed in Juiz de Fora, expressed optimism in the search mission, highlighting the collaborative spirit in finding all missing individuals.
The government of Brazil has declared a state of emergency in Juiz de Fora to expedite relief and humanitarian aid distributions. The country typically experiences peak rainfall during the summer months, leading to severe weather conditions such as intense rainstorms, thunderstorms, flooding, and mudslides.
Residents, like 45-year-old Jaqueline Teixeira, expressed sorrow over the tragic events, hoping for miracles and the safe discovery of survivors. The city of Juiz de Fora noted that this February marked the rainiest in its history, with precipitation levels exceeding double the monthly average.
Mayor Margarida Salomão described the current situation as critical in a social media update. The National Institute of Meteorology in Brazil issued heavy rainfall warnings for various regions, encompassing 14 states, including Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.