In Cataguases, located in Brazil's Zona da Mata, over 500 individuals remain displaced after a violent storm struck the area last week, resulting in severe flooding. According to a report released by the municipal government, one death has been confirmed, and hundreds of families have been forced to leave their homes. The storm brought an unprecedented downpour, with 220 mm of rain recorded in just four hours, leading to the overflow of the Rio Pomba and significant inundations across various parts of the city.

As of Monday, the local government reported that 56 individuals are still housed in emergency shelters, with over 500 more displaced but outside immediate shelter. Municipal schools have been repurposed as emergency reception centers to provide support to the affected families. Local emergency services, including the emergency administration and firefighting units, are actively engaged in relief efforts, providing assistance to evacuees and working to clear blocked areas in the wake of the disaster.

The tragedy marks another chapter in the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Brazil during severe weather events, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response systems. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, but recovery for many families may take time as they address both immediate needs and longer-term rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of this devastating storm.