The Public Ministry of Minas Gerais (MPMG) has advised that the municipality of Juiz de Fora must ensure a rigorous technical evaluation by the Civil Defense and the Fire Department before reopening any areas that have been closed due to flooding. This recommendation follows a tragic incident earlier this year in February, which resulted in the deaths of 65 people due to severe weather conditions.

In a statement, the Juiz de Fora City Hall expressed its complete agreement with the MPMG's recommendations and indicated that it is fully aligned with the measures already being implemented by the Civil Defense. The ongoing heavy rains, which have plagued the region since February 16, alongside social vulnerabilities and urban ordinance violations, have exacerbated the public calamity situation, as outlined by the MPMG.

Promotor Alex Santiago highlighted the stark vulnerability of the city in the face of such natural disasters, emphasizing the urgent need for well-structured and continuous institutional responses. The MPMG's insistence on the municipality's obligation to properly assess these areas underlines the critical importance of disaster preparedness and urban planning in protecting residents from future tragedies.