Feb 26 • 08:38 UTC 🌍 Africa Africanews

Floods kill 46 as mud and debris choke Brazilian towns in Minas Gerais State

Severe floods in Minas Gerais, Brazil, have led to the death of 46 people and left many missing as towns struggle with mud and debris.

In Minas Gerais, Brazil, floods and landslides have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 46 individuals, with numerous others reported missing. Streets in the towns of Uba and Juiz de Fora are buried under mud and debris, making recovery efforts challenging. Local residents have returned to their communities in an attempt to clear away the sludge that has overwhelmed their shops and vehicles, but the scale of the disaster is immense, with water levels reportedly rising nearly two meters.

Business owners in affected areas face significant losses, as water damage has devastated stock and property. While rescue teams are actively searching unstable regions for potential survivors, the outlook is grim, especially with more rain predicted in the coming days, which could further impede relief efforts. The psychological toll on the community is profound as they navigate this crisis, struggling to cope with the aftermath of a natural disaster.

This tragic event highlights the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events in Brazil, driven in part by climate change. As flooding incidents become more pronounced, the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness becomes ever more urgent. Authorities are grappling with the immediate response and long-term implications for the residents and the broader implications for climate resilience in the region.

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