A 42-year-old man went missing early Sunday morning after the car he was in was swept away by fast-moving waters at a low-water crossing in Porteirinha, a rural area in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The incident occurred around 1:30 AM when heavy rains were falling in the region, raising water levels approximately 50 centimeters above the crossing structure. Low-water crossings are designed to facilitate travel during normal river flow, but can become extremely dangerous during periods of rain.

According to the military firefighters, the driver managed to escape from the vehicle, but the other occupant has not been seen since the car was carried away by the flood. The retrieval operation involved locating the submerged vehicle, which was achieved with the assistance of a tractor. The ongoing search for the missing man highlights the dangers posed by sudden floods in rural areas, particularly when driving conditions can change rapidly due to weather.

This event underscores the importance of caution during heavy rains, especially concerning low-water crossings where the risks are heightened. Local authorities and emergency services stress the need for awareness of changing weather conditions and the potential for rising water levels that can lead to tragic incidents like this, emphasizing community preparedness and safety.