The recent rains that began on Monday, the 23rd, have wreaked havoc in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, resulting in over 60 fatalities and bringing to light the critical issue of social inequality in local neighborhoods. Juiz de Fora, the most populous city affected, is home to 540,756 residents, including 16,728 individuals living in favelas, which represent merely 3.1% of the population. The differential impacts of landslides caused by the heavy rainfall were pronounced across various social classes, suggesting a growing divide in living conditions based on geographic location.

In neighborhoods like Paineiras, which the local population considers middle class, landslides caused by the rain led to significant destruction, with at least two properties collapsing and associated fatalities. Despite these incidents, the area remains resilient, as some homes are still occupied, and certain businesses have continued operating. This scenario raises questions about urban planning, with geologist Geraldo César Rocha warning against allowing construction on precarious terrains, like the rocky cliff known as Morro do Cristo, which has historically been seen as a threat to safety in the neighborhood.

The implications of this disaster highlight the urgent need for comprehensive urban policy reform and investment in infrastructure to address these disparities. As the local government assesses the damage and prepares for recovery, this tragedy serves as a crucial reminder of the vulnerability of marginalized populations living in precarious conditions, often at greater risk during environmental crises. The situation emphasizes the necessity for better planning to mitigate risks associated with natural disasters, which disproportionately impact lower-income communities in Juiz de Fora and across Brazil.