Minas Gerais, Brazil, has a long and tragic history of devastation due to intense rainfall, which has led to numerous fatalities and thousands of residents left homeless. The most recent disaster occurred in February, when record-breaking precipitation in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá resulted in at least 30 deaths. This catastrophic event is part of a pattern of severe weather-related incidents in the state, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters.

Historically, Minas Gerais has faced multiple significant weather events. In January 2003, a night of relentless rain led to landslides that killed at least 25 people, including eight children from the same family in Belo Horizonte. The destruction was extensive, particularly in the eastern part of the state, with Caratinga being one of the most severely affected locations, experiencing the collapse of buildings and floods caused by the Caratinga River.

Another significant event occurred in January 2020, when heavy rains resulted in the deaths of at least 53 people in the state. The cumulative effects of these disasters have raised concerns regarding the ongoing impact of climate change, infrastructure readiness, and the need for effective disaster management strategies in Minas Gerais to protect residents from future tragedies.