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At least 32 dead as torrential rains trigger landslides and flooding
Heavy rainfall in Brazil's Minas Gerais state has left at least 32 people dead, with rescue teams searching for 38 others still missing. The downpours have caused catastrophic flooding and mudslides, displacing thousands and devastating entire neighborhoods.
Worst-hit cities: Juiz de Fora and Ubá
The cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá have suffered the most severe damage. In Juiz de Fora, a mudslide swept away 12 homes, while in Ubá, a river breached its banks, inundating streets and buildings. Ubá, located 300 km north of Rio de Janeiro, had previously experienced flooding in 2019 and 2020, but residents say the current disaster is far worse.
Rescue efforts and missing persons
Firefighters and emergency crews are conducting search-and-rescue operations for the 38 people still unaccounted for. More than 200 individuals have already been rescued, though some of those who died were attempting to help others when they were overwhelmed by the rising waters. Shelters are being established for thousands left homeless by the disaster.
Eyewitness accounts: 'The water rose very quickly'
Lucas Gandra, a resident of Ubá, described the rapid onset of the flooding. He received a warning call from a friend at 12:07 AM local time on Tuesday, alerting him that the river was about to burst its banks. By 12:20 AM, the water was already causing massive destruction.
"At 00:07 the water was overflowing and by 00:20 it was already causing enormous damage. The water rose very quickly."
Lucas Gandra, Ubá resident
Gandra recounted seeing trapped residents crying for help but being unable to assist. "There was one house in particular, where I honestly thought we would have to witness the people inside drown," he said.
'Ubá is unrecognizable'
Carolina Magalhães, a dentist in Ubá, called the scene "horrific." She filmed debris flowing through the streets, including household items, motorcycles, gas cylinders, and even a van and a truck. As waters receded, residents returned to find their homes destroyed.
Marcela Barbosa, a doctor who was working in a nearby town when the flooding began, said the city was barely recognizable. "Everything is full of mud, the destruction is total," she said. Despite the devastation, she noted that locals were coming together to clean up and support one another.
Rainfall doubles February average, more expected
Meteorologists report that rainfall in the region this month has already reached twice the average expected for February. Forecasts predict additional rain in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides.
