Heavy rainfall has tragically claimed at least 25 lives in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais, with 43 individuals still unaccounted for, according to local authorities. The state fire department confirmed 18 fatalities in the city of Juiz de Fora and seven in Uba, located approximately 110 kilometres away.
Government Declares State of Calamity
Brazil's government has officially recognised a state of calamity in Juiz de Fora, a move designed to expedite relief efforts and humanitarian aid. In a formal statement, authorities emphasised the urgent need for coordinated response to the unfolding disaster.
Rescue Operations Intensify
Specialised emergency teams have mobilised across the affected regions, focusing on incident response and the critical search for missing persons. The state fire department deployed 141 officials, including 113 in Juiz de Fora and 28 in Uba, to manage the crisis.
"It's a precarious situation; many people are missing. But by helping each other, we'll eventually find everyone," said Gabriel Vitor, a 24-year-old state firefighter deployed to Juiz de Fora.
Unprecedented Rainfall Records
The Juiz de Fora city hall reported that this February has become the rainiest in the city's recorded history, with precipitation levels already exceeding double the expected monthly average. Mayor Margarida Salomao described the situation as "critical" in a social media statement.
"It was terrible; words can't describe how sad it is. Just ask God to find those who survived and to perform a miracle," expressed Jaqueline Teixeira, a 45-year-old resident of Juiz de Fora.
Widespread Displacement and Disruption
The torrential downpours have triggered extensive flooding and dangerous landslides, displacing approximately 440 people in Juiz de Fora alone. Municipal schools in the city have suspended classes indefinitely due to safety concerns and infrastructure damage.
National Meteorological Warnings
Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology issued heavy-rain alerts on Tuesday for sections of 14 states, including the entire territories of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. Much of Brazil currently experiences the peak of its rainy season during summer months from December to March, which frequently brings intense downpours, thunderstorms, flooding, and mudslides.
Presidential Response and Condolences
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva offered his condolences via social media platform X, stating: "Our focus is to ensure humanitarian assistance, the restoration of basic services, support for displaced people, and aid for reconstruction." The federal government is coordinating with state and local authorities to address immediate needs and plan for long-term recovery efforts.
The state fire department provided specific details regarding the missing persons, reporting 40 individuals unaccounted for in Juiz de Fora and three in Uba. Rescue operations continue around the clock as emergency services work against challenging conditions to locate survivors and provide essential aid to affected communities.
