From 1991 until 2024, Brazil has faced catastrophic rain-related disasters that have led to at least 4,079 fatalities and displaced approximately 10.5 million people. These figures are derived from the National Disaster Atlas compiled by the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development, which consolidates data from states and municipalities. The widespread and recurring nature of these disasters spotlights the ongoing environmental and infrastructural challenges faced by Brazil, particularly in areas prone to heavy rainfall.

Recently, severe storms have again wreaked havoc in parts of Minas Gerais, notably in Juiz de Fora and Ubá, where 29 people have died and over 3,000 have been left homeless. A state of public calamity has been declared as local authorities grapple with the aftermath, and there have been at least 39 reported missing persons. The Civil Defense has issued extreme alerts for the risk of landslides, advising residents to steer clear of high-risk areas. The rainfall recorded in February was the highest ever for Juiz de Fora, measuring 584 millimeters, highlighting the intensity of the recent weather patterns.

Additionally, the impacts of these weather events have extended to the state of Rio de Janeiro, where an elderly woman died in São João de Meriti due to the collapse of a wall triggered by severe rainfall. This incident underscores not only the immediate dangers posed by natural disasters but also the need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies across vulnerable regions in Brazil. As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, the frequency and magnitude of such events are likely to persist, demanding urgent action from both governmental and civil sectors to mitigate risks and support affected communities.