Residents of Juiz de Fora, a city in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, report that they have never received training on how to respond in emergency situations, despite living in a municipality that frequently issues alerts from the Civil Defense. The city, known for having a significant number of fatalities due to landslides—41 confirmed deaths this year—has been highlighted for the risk it poses to its citizens during severe weather events. Additionally, neighboring Ubá has recorded six deaths due to similar incidents. In 2025, the National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters reported that Juiz de Fora had received 24 Civil Defense alerts and experienced 13 rain-related occurrences, making it one of the top cities in Brazil for such warnings, only behind Petrópolis, São Paulo, and Manaus.

In 2023 alone, Juiz de Fora has already received 11 alerts and recorded 35 incidents, reflecting the ongoing risk faced by its residents. The city's geographical location makes it particularly vulnerable, as it is ranked ninth in Brazil for the number of people living in high-risk areas, with approximately 128,000 residents affected. This situation raises serious concerns regarding public preparedness and the response capabilities of the local government to protect its citizens during critical events.

The lack of emergency training is alarming, especially considering the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather, which is likely exacerbated by climate change. As the region continues to face severe weather patterns, there is an urgent need for community education and preparedness initiatives to ensure that residents are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies. Without this, the potential for loss of life and property in future disasters remains high, emphasizing the importance of immediate action to improve disaster readiness in Juiz de Fora.