'Greatest tragedy in history', says mayor of Ubá after storm leaves dead and missing
A devastating storm in Ubá, Brazil, has resulted in fatalities and significant destruction, with the local mayor describing it as the city's greatest tragedy.
Ubá, located in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais, is in a state of devastation following a severe storm that struck the city on Monday night and continued into the early hours of Tuesday. Mayor José Damato has labeled the situation as the "greatest tragedy" ever experienced by Ubá, with reports confirming seven fatalities and four individuals still missing. The rain poured down at an alarming rate, with 170 millimeters falling within just three hours, leading to a rapid rise in the Ubá River which reached an unprecedented height of nearly 8 meters.
Emergency response efforts have been underway since the storm hit, with the mayor stating that their priority is to assist the affected population. The storm has caused significant damage, including the collapse of five buildings, the destruction of three bridges, and vehicles being swept away for kilometers by the floodwaters. The local government is coordinating with state and federal agencies, as well as the military, to address the aftermath of this disaster.
The impact of the storm is a severe blow to the community, both in terms of loss of life and infrastructure. As rescue efforts continue, the focus will be on finding the missing individuals, providing aid to those displaced, and rebuilding the community in the face of this unprecedented disaster. The situation is a reminder of the vulnerabilities that many communities face due to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change.