On the night of Monday, February 23, a severe storm hit Juiz de Fora, leading to a catastrophic weather event that has been described as the most significant in the recent history of the Zona da Mata region in Minas Gerais, Brazil. In under 24 hours, the torrential rains resulted in record-breaking rainfall for February 2026, exceeding over a century of historical data. The Civil Defense issued an alert at 10 PM, anticipating dangerous weather conditions; however, the situation escalated rapidly with landslides, flooding, and overflowing rivers occurring shortly after the rains began.

By the night of Tuesday, February 24, the devastating consequences of the storm were tragically evident, with reports confirming 31 fatalities and 38 individuals reported missing. Thousands of residents were rendered homeless as the storm's impact was felt across both Juiz de Fora and the neighboring city of Ubá. The timeline of events highlights the swift progression of the storm, detailing incidents such as the overflow of the Paraibuna River and the extensive damage to local infrastructure, prompting widespread emergency response efforts to assist affected communities.

As this natural disaster unfolds, the implications for the affected regions are dire, not just in terms of human loss and suffering but also in long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts. The local government and Civil Defense authorities are likely to face significant challenges in addressing the immediate needs of the displaced, while also implementing measures to mitigate the impact of future storms amidst growing concerns about climate change and extreme weather patterns.