Residents affected by heavy rains in Juiz de Fora and the Zona da Mata can now request various emergency benefits due to the severe impact of the recent flooding.
Following the devastating heavy rains that impacted Juiz de Fora and nearby cities in the Zona da Mata region last week, local residents have started to apply for emergency benefits aimed at providing financial assistance and relief to those affected. The disaster resulted in 65 fatalities and affected over 8,500 individuals who were either displaced or evacuated. Authorities have recorded 2,666 incidents in the municipality as a result of the floods. This situation has prompted a swift governmental response to support victims in these challenging times.
The emergency measures announced by local authorities include the provision of various financial aids such as the special withdrawal from the FGTS (Fundo de Garantia do Tempo de Serviço), an extension of unemployment insurance, advance payment of salary bonuses, exemption from property taxes, and specific social assistance programs. Residents in the cities of Juiz de Fora, Matias Barbosa, and Ubá are the primary beneficiaries of these measures. They are urged to utilize the FGTS app to request the calamity withdrawal, with the deadline set for March 18.
According to the Caixa Econômica Federal, the calamity withdrawal allows individuals to access up to R$ 6,220 from each FGTS account they hold, as long as funds are available. To be eligible, individuals must hold a balance in their FGTS account and meet specific criteria. This swift response underlines the government's approach to address the immediate repercussions of natural disasters and highlights the importance of community resilience and support during times of crisis.
