In the wake of severe rainfall in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, local residents have described the frantic moments they faced while escaping landslides that followed. According to reports, at least 28 people have died, with the majority of fatalities occurring in the municipalities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá, where 21 and seven deaths have been confirmed respectively. Additionally, rescuers have reported approximately 40 individuals missing in Juiz de Fora and three in Ubá, indicating the magnitude of the tragedy that has struck this area.

One notable survivor, Vander Bittencourt, shared his story of survival during the disaster. He received an urgent alert from Civil Defense, marking the situation as critical. With just five minutes to act, he and his family quickly gathered their belongings and fled their home, which they observed collapsing as they descended. Vander managed to view the destruction from his terrace, witnessing neighborly homes swept away by the landslide, illustrating the catastrophic force of nature that struck with little warning.

The destruction is particularly highlighted in the Parque Jardim Burnier neighborhood in Juiz de Fora, where about a dozen homes have been completely destroyed. As rescue efforts continue, the community is left grappling with the loss of life, homes, and the hope of finding those still unaccounted for amid the rubble. The impact of these disasters not only reflects the immediate dangers posed by extreme weather but also emphasizes the need for preparedness in facing such calamitous events.