Severe storms in Brazil have led to at least 14 fatalities, with reports of 45 people missing due to landslides and flooding in the municipality of Juiz de Fora.
Severe storms in Brazil's Juiz de Fora municipality have resulted in at least 14 confirmed deaths, with local authorities reporting 45 missing persons. The intense rainfall triggered multiple landslides and widespread flooding, prompting the local government to declare a state of emergency. City Mayor Margarida Salomao cited this February as the wettest in recorded history for the region, adding to concerns over the extreme weather's impact on the community.
The flooding has left many areas isolated, inhibiting public access and rescue operations. Reports indicate that at least 20 landslides have occurred, creating significant challenges for emergency services. The Minas Gerais firefighters' department preliminarily confirmed the number of missing persons but stated that they are unable to provide an exact figure at this time. The local media have been active in reporting on the situation, emphasizing the urgency and scale of the emergency that residents are facing.
As the situation continues to develop, the ongoing rains pose further risks, potentially aggravating the already dire circumstances for residents of Juiz de Fora, which has a population of around 540,000. The combination of extreme precipitation and landscape vulnerabilities highlights the growing impacts of climate change in Brazil and reinforces the need for robust disaster preparedness and response strategies in the face of natural disasters.
