On Wednesday, a heavy downpour led to significant flooding in Barbacena, a city located in the Campo das Vertentes region of Brazil. The local fire department reported that one individual, a man, went missing after jumping into a creek during the storm and was swept away by the current. Rescue operations commenced on the same night and continued into Thursday morning, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

According to the National Center for Monitoring and Warning of Natural Disasters (Cemaden), the area experienced 44 millimeters of rain within just three hours, which contributed to the rapid flooding of various streets. Fortunately, the fire department indicated that there were no other emergency calls related to the storm, aside from the case of the missing man, whose age remains unreported. This incident reflects the increasing severity and frequency of rainfall impacting the region.

Since February, the Zona da Mata and Campo das Vertentes areas have experienced intense rainfall, which has resulted in tragic consequences, including 65 fatalities and 8,500 people left homeless or displaced in neighboring areas like Juiz de Fora. The situation in Ubá has also been dire, with seven victims reported. This pattern of extreme weather not only poses immediate dangers but also underscores the significance of disaster preparedness and response strategies in local communities.