The Government of Minas Gerais has reported that the local firefighters and security forces managed to rescue 98 individuals alive in the Zona da Mata region following severe rainstorms that began late on Monday, February 23. The situation is dire, with 28 confirmed deaths as of the latest reports, 21 of which are reported to have occurred in Juiz de Fora and seven in Ubá. However, the municipal administration of Juiz de Fora has indicated a slightly higher death toll of 22 individuals.

Colonel Paulo Roberto Bermudes Rezende from the state Civil Defense coordination highlighted that the firefighting team has responded to around 130 emergency situations in the area. Approximately 555 personnel from state forces are actively involved in rescue and recovery operations. This includes not only firefighters but also military personnel from the Military Police, forensic experts from the Civil Police, and Civil Defense agents. Additionally, units from the national level are being mobilized to provide further assistance in the affected regions.

The Deputy Governor of Minas Gerais, Mateus Simões of the PSD party, stated that the first alert from Civil Defense was sent out to residents in the area to inform them of the dangers associated with the heavy rains. The ongoing efforts reflect a coordinated response to a natural disaster, highlighting the challenges faced by local authorities in managing such significant flooding and its aftermath, as they seek to support affected communities and recover from this tragedy.