Heavy rains cause flooding in southeastern Brazil, resulting in at least 23 deaths

Rescue Efforts Underway in Minas Gerais Following Torrential Rainfall

At least 23 people have been confirmed dead in the state of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil due to torrential rainfall. The municipality of Juiz de Fora has reported at least 18 deaths, with dozens of emergency workers searching for missing individuals.

According to officials, over 40 people remain unaccounted for since the rains began on Monday. Search and rescue teams, including those with trained search dogs, are combing through debris in the affected area.

Livia Rosa, a resident of Juiz de Fora, reported that several family members were buried under mud. “We’ve been here since last night to see if they survive underground,” she said.

The region is expected to continue experiencing heavy rainfall for the coming days, complicating rescue efforts. At least 440 people have been displaced in Juiz de Fora, and seven deaths have also been reported in the nearby town of Uba.

Mayor Margarida Salomao stated that at least 20 landslides had been reported in the area, with some homes collapsing. “Many people were inside their homes at night when it was raining,” said Major Demetrius Goulart of the fire brigade.

The government has deployed officials from the Minas Gerais fire department to assist in the relief efforts. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has offered support to those affected, stating that the focus is on humanitarian assistance, restoring basic services, and aid for reconstruction.

The province has experienced its wettest February on record, with over 180mm of rain recorded in four hours.

Source: Al Jazeera