At least 30 people have tragically lost their lives in Brazil, following record-breaking rainfall that has devastated southeastern regions, particularly affecting the city of Juiz de Fora. Local authorities in Minas Gerais have reported that around forty individuals are still missing as rescue efforts continue. The torrential rains have led to severe flooding and landslides, causing significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and roads.

Juiz de Fora has been declared a disaster zone, coping with at least twenty recorded landslides that have displaced thousands. With a population of over 500,000, it is estimated that around 3,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes as the natural disaster unfolds. The mayor, Margarida Salomão, has indicated the dire situation in her city, emphasizing the critical need for immediate assistance and relief for affected residents.

In response to the crisis, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced efforts to provide humanitarian aid, restore basic services, assist displaced individuals, and support reconstruction initiatives. The recent heavy rains are part of a troubling trend in Brazil over the past few years, where extreme weather events such as floods and droughts have increasingly posed risks to communities across the country.