Brazil Landslides: 43 Missing After Heavy Rain Hits State of Minas Gerais
Heavy rains trigger deadly landslides in Minas Gerais, leaving dozens missing and prompting emergency response.
- At least 25 dead and 43 missing after landslides in Minas Gerais.
- Around 440 residents evacuated; schools closed in Juiz de Fora.
- President Lula declares state of emergency, deploys rescue and relief teams.
Severe rainfall in Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais has triggered deadly floods and landslides, leaving at least 25 people dead and 43 others missing, officials say.
The downpours, part of an unusually intense rainy spell, have battered cities including Juiz de Fora and Ubá, triggering landslides that swept away homes and forced around 440 residents to evacuate their houses. Schools in Juiz de Fora have also been closed as rescue teams continue to search through mud and debris.
The city of Juiz de Fora has recorded rainfall nearly double the usual February average, contributing to at least 20 reported landslides in the region. Firefighters, volunteers and search-and-rescue dogs are combing affected areas in hopes of finding survivors.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has declared a state of emergency and pledged federal assistance, deploying security forces to support relief and rescue operations. Authorities have also warned of further heavy rain as the mountainous region remains at risk.
