Zema decrees mourning after tragedy in Juiz de Fora and Ubá; rains leave more than 20 dead and hundreds homeless
Governor Romeu Zema has declared three days of official mourning in Minas Gerais following severe rains that resulted in significant casualties in Juiz de Fora and Ubá.
Governor Romeu Zema of Minas Gerais has officially declared three days of mourning in the state following devastating rains that have resulted in over 20 fatalities and hundreds of people being displaced. The focus has turned to the cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá in the Zona da Mata region, where rescue operations are currently underway. As of the latest reports, 22 individuals have lost their lives due to the natural disaster, with 16 deaths confirmed in Juiz de Fora and 6 in Ubá.
In a video shared on social media, Zema stated that despite being in Unaí in the Northwest region of the state, he is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to traveling to the affected areas as soon as possible. He emphasized that various state agencies, including the Civil Defense, Fire Department, Civil Police, and Military Police, have been mobilized since the early hours of the morning to provide total support to the victims of this tragedy.
The heavy rains have not only led to loss of life but have also severely impacted the local infrastructure, leaving many residents homeless. The government's response involves immediate rescue and relief efforts to assist those affected, showcasing the importance of emergency management in the face of natural disasters. The situation remains critical as authorities assess the full extent of the damages and plan for recovery efforts in the coming days.