Brazil Flooding Death Toll Reaches 64 Amid Ongoing Search Efforts

Brazil’s Government Announces Increased Flood Risk After Heavy Rains Trigger Landslides and Flooding in Minas Gerais State

The death toll from landslides and flooding in eastern Brazil has risen to 64, according to official reports. Authorities are continuing to search for survivors in the affected areas. The state of Minas Gerais was hit by heavy rain over a long period, with cities such as Juiz de Fora and Uba experiencing significant damage.

The Brazilian meteorology institute, Inmet, has warned of further inclement weather in parts of Minas Gerais, as well as in neighboring states along the Atlantic coast. The agency has highlighted risks of landslides, river overflows, and major flooding.

In response to the disaster, the federal government has authorized approximately 3.4 million reais ($660,000) for reconstruction efforts and humanitarian assistance. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is scheduled to visit Minas Gerais on Saturday to meet with local leaders.

The president’s visit will take place in Juiz de Fora, where about a quarter of the population lives in areas identified as being at risk for natural disasters related to land and water. The city hall will host the meeting, which will include discussions with mayors from affected cities.

Meanwhile, scientists have noted that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to human-caused climate change. Authorities have issued warnings to residents to avoid flooded areas and hillsides, as well as sheltering under trees due to a risk of lightning strikes.

The Brazilian government agency Cemaden has reported that about 540,000 people live in places identified as being at risk for natural disasters related to land and water. The incident in Minas Gerais comes nearly two years after flooding in Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state left at least 185 people dead.

Source: Al Jazeera