One month ago, on the night of February 23, a series of storms struck the Zona da Mata region in Brazil, leading to catastrophic flooding and destruction. The historical rainfall average was severely surpassed, resulting in 65 deaths in Juiz de Fora and another 8 in Ubá. The storm began in the late afternoon and intensified overnight into February 24, causing the Rio Paraibuna to overflow, severely flooding multiple areas within Juiz de Fora and triggering landslides that destroyed homes and infrastructure.

In response to the disaster, the city government in Juiz de Fora announced the suspension of municipal school classes, and other educational institutions—including state, private, and federal schools—followed suit as a preventative measure against further risk from the weather. The floods specifically devastated approximately 2,000 homes, leaving many families displaced and without shelter.

The storm in Ubá mirrored the destruction witnessed in Juiz de Fora, with the Rio Ubá overflowing and flooding streets, particularly the flooded Avenida Beira Rio, which marked the extent of the disaster's impact. Tragically, eight lives were lost in Ubá as well during this catastrophic event. The stories of survivors, like that of a mother saving her six-year-old son from being buried in the disaster, illustrate the profound personal tragedies faced by many in the wake of the storm, as communities come to terms with their losses and consider memorials for the victims of this devastating event.