The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has placed the municipality of Espinosa under a red alert due to the forecast of intense rainfall that could lead to further flooding. The alert is effective from midnight on Wednesday, March 4, until 11:59 PM the same day. Despite the alert, there is currently no rainfall in the area. The warning indicates the potential for rainfall exceeding 60 mm per hour or more than 100 mm in a day, which poses a serious risk for flooding, river overflow, and landslides, particularly in multiple regions of Brazil, including Espinosa situated in the extreme North of Minas Gerais state.

Espinosa is still grappling with the aftermath of recent flooding, which resulted in a total of 130 mm of rain between Saturday and Sunday, exacerbating conditions for residents. According to the latest update from the Civil Defense released on Monday, March 2, around 60 people are homeless and approximately 1,600 individuals have been displaced due to the severe weather. The heavy rainfall has directly and indirectly impacted the lives of around 10,000 residents in the municipality, indicating a widespread emergency situation.

Given the serious implications of this new alert, local authorities are on high alert as they prepare for possible exacerbation of the situation and are urged to implement evacuation plans and support for the displaced families. The forecasted rainfall poses not only an immediate threat to public safety and health but also complicates ongoing recovery efforts from the recent flooding that has severely affected the community.