Emergency services in the Zona da Mata region of Brazil are actively searching for Luciano Franklin Fernandes, the last person reported missing after severe flooding. The floods, caused by heavy rains on January 24, resulted in a tragic death toll of 72 people. Fernandes, 50, was swept away in Ubá while his girlfriend clung to a post for three hours to survive the flooding. Rescue teams are hoping to locate him as worries mount over further losses after such devastating weather events.

In Juiz de Fora, where the impact of the storm was most severe, the situation seems to have stabilized with 65 confirmed deaths and no additional missing persons. Meanwhile, Ubá's community mourns its seven confirmed fatalities and shares its hopes for the safe return of Fernandes. The local authorities have been actively communicating updates on the situation, emphasizing the importance of community safety during such extreme weather conditions.

Authorities have faced challenges in search and rescue operations, with difficult terrain and weather making recovery efforts complicated. In total, one additional disappearance was noted in the nearby town of Cataguases, but the body was recovered, and it was confirmed that the individual had drowned after jumping into the River Pomba for a swim. As the recovery efforts continue, discussions are evolving around preventive measures and better preparedness for future storms to protect vulnerable areas in Brazil.