Evacuated streets in Juiz de Fora: why the number continues to rise and when residents can return to their homes
The article discusses the ongoing evacuations in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, due to severe rains that have caused significant risks of landslides, even after the rain has stopped.
The Civil Defense of Juiz de Fora is actively updating the list of evacuation sites following the severe rains that began impacting the city on Monday, October 23. Despite the cessation of rainfall, new areas are still being evacuated due to ongoing risks of landslides, as the soil remains saturated. The tragic consequences of these rains have been severe, resulting in 65 fatalities, over 8,584 people displaced, and a total of 2,666 emergency incidents reported. This situation has prompted the local authorities to take preventive measures to protect the community.
The continued evacuations, even in the absence of rain, stem from the Civil Defense's proactive stance on public safety. Officials explain that the ground remains too damp, which increases the danger of further landslides and can jeopardize the structural integrity of buildings in the affected neighborhoods. This precautionary approach seeks to prevent additional loss of life and property damage during this emergency.
Residents will only be allowed to return to their homes following technical inspections carried out by the Civil Defense. Authorities have committed to disseminating information regarding safety measures and the status of the evacuations through official channels, ensuring that residents are informed before they are permitted to return. The situation remains critical as the region navigates through the aftermath of the severe weather events, emphasizing the need for ongoing government oversight and community support to aid recovery efforts.