At least 30 people have died and 39 remain missing after torrential rains triggered devastating landslides and flooding in Brazil’s south-eastern state of Minas Gerais.
State firefighters confirmed that the deaths occurred in Juiz de Fora and Ubá after an overnight downpour caused a river to burst its banks, turning streets into raging currents of muddy water. More than 200 people have been rescued so far.
Homes swept away in massive landslide
Twelve houses in a hillside neighbourhood of Juiz de Fora were swept away in what officials described as a “massive landslide”. Rescue teams, assisted by sniffer dogs and volunteers armed with shovels, are continuing search operations amid thick mud and debris.
Families gathered anxiously near the site, hoping for survivors. A 10-year-old boy was pulled alive from the rubble after a two-hour rescue effort. However, authorities warned that chances of survival diminish as time passes.
State of emergency declared
Juiz de Fora Mayor Margarida Salomão has declared a state of emergency, stating that the city of over 5 lakh residents is experiencing its wettest February on record, with 584 mm of rainfall so far.
Approximately 440 residents have been displaced and are receiving temporary shelter and assistance. Municipal schools have suspended classes, and at least 20 landslides have been reported across affected neighbourhoods.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva assured that the federal government is focused on humanitarian assistance, restoration of essential services and reconstruction efforts.
Climate concerns resurface
Brazil has faced repeated extreme weather disasters in recent years, including catastrophic floods in 2024 that killed more than 200 people and left millions affected. Experts continue to link such events to the growing impact of climate change.
Rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities race against time to locate the missing.