In southeastern Brazil, the state of Minas Gerais is grappling with severe flooding that has resulted in at least 25 fatalities and numerous disappearances. The floods, which began on Monday in cities like Juiz de Fora and Uba, have forced over 440 people to evacuate their homes.
The region, geographically characterized by hills, valleys, and slopes, faces further risk as meteorologists predict additional rainfall. Local authorities have reported extensive damage, including at least 20 landslides in Juiz de Fora alone, doubling the expected monthly precipitation.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged a swift response, with rescue teams actively engaged in the search for 43 missing individuals. Firefighter Demetrius Bastos Goulart emphasizes the need for precision in rescue efforts, highlighting the challenging conditions caused by the high volume of mud.