On Thursday night, November 26, a heavy rainstorm struck Cataguases, located in Brazil's Zona da Mata region, leading to significant destruction over a short period. Within just four hours, the city experienced 220 millimeters of rain, with 104 millimeters falling in a single hour, resulting in numerous evacuations and extensive flooding. According to the municipal authorities, hundreds of families were forced to leave their homes, and one person has been reported missing since the storm began.

The storm caused the Pomba River to rise dramatically, reaching 7.70 meters above its normal level as of Friday morning, which led to extensive flooding in various riverside areas. The overflow of the river, as well as the Meia Pataca stream, has resulted in serious disruptions, including landslides in neighborhoods such as Beira Rio, Paraíso, Bom Pastor, Dico Leite, and Justino. This hydrological calamity also rendered main avenues like Astolfo Dutra and Humberto Mauro impassable during the peak rains, significantly impacting local infrastructure.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating rescue efforts for those affected. The flooding not only poses immediate dangers, such as lives lost and casualties, but it also raises concerns about long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts for the community, as the region braces for further precipitation. City officials are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and stay updated on safety information in this critical time of need.