BH counts losses after storm that left one person dead in flood and caused tree falls
The storm in Belo Horizonte resulted in significant damage, including one fatality due to flooding and numerous tree falls across the city.
Belo Horizonte began assessing the damage from a severe storm that hit the city on Saturday, including at least one reported death and widespread tree damage. Firefighters responded to 61 emergency calls related to fallen trees within a 24-hour period. The heavy rainfall led to flooding in several areas, and a woman tragically drowned after being swept away by the water in the Horto Florestal neighborhood.
The municipal government reported that the most affected areas were in the Leste and Nordeste regions, where rainfall measured 48 millimeters and 33 millimeters, respectively, during a one-hour period. The cityβs Civil Defense managed 50 interventions, primarily focused on property inspections in the Leste, Oeste, and Venda Nova districts. Key streets such as Avenida Mem de SΓ‘ and Avenida Silviano BrandΓ£o experienced significant impacts due to the weather conditions.
Local authorities are working to restore services and assess the full extent of the damage, as many residents have reported significant property loss and disruption. The tragic death of the woman highlights the dangers of extreme weather events, prompting city officials to remind residents to exercise caution during heavy rain. The storm's aftermath has raised concerns about infrastructure resilience in the face of increasing climate disturbances.