Elderly woman has 17 relatives among the dead and missing after the rain tragedy in Juiz de Fora: 'I have to be strong'
A tragic rain event in Juiz de Fora has left an elderly woman mourning 17 relatives who are either dead or missing, highlighting the devastating impact of the natural disaster.
A severe rainstorm in Juiz de Fora has led to significant loss of life, with over 45 confirmed dead and many others still missing. Among those affected is Maria Aparecida Batista, an elderly woman who has tragically lost 17 family members, with three confirmed dead and 14 still trapped under debris. This calamity struck the more vulnerable neighborhoods of JK and Parque Jardim Burnier, where many homes were destroyed by the flooding.
In her heartbreaking interview, Maria recounted the trauma of losing so many loved ones, expressing her disbelief and sorrow at witnessing such a tragedy for the first time. The local authorities are struggling to conduct rescue operations efficiently due to the challenging conditions caused by the heavy rains. The ongoing search for the missing remains a priority for the emergency services, who are working tirelessly despite the difficult environment.
The situation in Juiz de Fora raises concerns about infrastructure and disaster preparedness in Brazil, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall. The emotional toll on residents is profound, as families are left to navigate the aftermath of such a devastating event. Local and national response initiatives will likely be assessed as the community begins to recover and rebuild after the disaster.