In a tragic event, the heavy rains affecting the Zona da Mata area of Minas Gerais, Brazil, have claimed the lives of at least 39 individuals, with authorities confirming that 33 people are still missing. The latest updates from rescue teams indicate that 208 people have been rescued alive, but the situation remains dire with thousands displaced. Specifically, the mayor of Juiz de Fora reported that around 3,500 individuals have been rendered homeless due to the severe weather conditions.

Indeed, Juiz de Fora has been the most severely impacted city, with confirmed reports stating 32 deaths, including five bodies located just hours ago. Rescue efforts are being concentrated in this area, which has the highest number of missing persons—32 individuals—prompting the deployment of emergency teams to expedite recovery efforts. The situation in surrounding towns, such as Ubá, reports an additional seven fatalities and two missing persons, while Matias Barbosa currently indicates no fatalities.

Emergency response operations are being bolstered by the involvement of 125 firefighters spread across the affected regions, with 62 dedicated to the rescue operations in Juiz de Fora alone. As the situation unfolds, local authorities continue to work tirelessly to locate the missing and alleviate the suffering of those displaced, while the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.