Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais faces a mounting humanitarian crisis following torrential rainfall that triggered devastating floods and lethal landslides. Official reports confirm at least 32 fatalities, with rescue teams urgently searching for 38 individuals still missing amid the wreckage.
The municipalities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá suffered the most severe impacts. In Juiz de Fora, entire neighborhoods vanished as mudslides swept away 12 residences. Ubá experienced catastrophic river overflow that submerged entire districts within minutes, with water levels rising at alarming speed according to local accounts.
Meteorological data reveals extraordinary precipitation levels, with February’s rainfall already doubling the historical average for the region. Forecasters warn additional storms approaching in coming days could hamper rescue operations and exacerbate the situation.
Eyewitness Lucas Gandra described the rapid escalation: ‘By 00:07 the water was overflowing and within twenty minutes it was causing enormous damage.’ The city, located 300km north of Rio de Janeiro, had experienced previous flooding in 2019 and 2020, but residents unanimously describe the current disaster as unprecedented in severity.
Tragic accounts emerge of residents trapped in homes pleading for assistance as waters rose, with some victims reportedly perishing while attempting to rescue others. Over 200 people have been successfully evacuated by emergency services according to fire department statistics.
Dentist Carolina Magalhães documented the surreal scene as floodwaters carried everything from household appliances to commercial vehicles through streets transformed into raging rivers. ‘First it was rubbish, then a freezer, a chair, motorbikes, lots of gas cylinders until even a van and a lorry floated past,’ she recounted.
As waters recede, residents confront overwhelming destruction. Doctor Marcela Barbosa described Ubá as ‘unrecognizable’ with properties blanketed in thick mud and near-total infrastructure damage. Despite the devastation, community solidarity shines through as survivors coordinate cleanup efforts and support displaced neighbors.
Temporary shelters are being established to accommodate thousands rendered homeless, while emergency crews continue their search operations in hazardous conditions complicated by unstable terrain and forecasted continued rainfall.