The rainy season in Minas Gerais has reached alarming levels of mortality, marking the deadliest such period in the last 20 years. Since October 2025, the region has recorded a total of 79 fatalities, most of which concentrated in the municipalities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá. The Police Civil has confirmed 62 deaths in Juiz de Fora alone, along with six in Ubá, raising concerns about the safety and preparedness of communities in the face of extreme weather events.

The statistics highlight a significant increase in fatalities compared to previous years data, indicating a worrying trend that follows the recent tragedy in Zona da Mata. This area, which has long struggled with severe weather-related disasters, is now grappling with the implications of climate change and its impact on the frequency and intensity of rainy seasons. Just before this year's tragic occurrences, there were already 11 confirmed deaths, emphasizing that the risks were evident even before the peak of the season.

Furthermore, the situation is not unprecedented as the rainy season of 2019-2020 also saw a high number of deaths, but this year's total has surpassed that record. The historical data clearly shows the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events and raises questions about the adequacy of disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in place. The ongoing situation calls for immediate attention from local authorities and a review of safety protocols to better protect the affected communities from such tragic outcomes in the future.