Heavy rains in southeastern Brazil have left at least 30 people dead, with dozens more still listed as missing.
By Christopher Wells
Brazil’s government has recognized a state of calamity in Juiz de Fora in the southern state of Minas Gerais, where heavy rainfall has displaced hundreds of people.
According to local authorities, the severe weather has led to at least thirty deaths, while thirty-nine people are still missing.
Storms led to flooding and landslides throughout the affected areas, and specialized rescue teams are in region responding to the emergency and searching for the missing.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took to social media service X to outline the government response, writing, “Our focus is to ensure humanitarian assistance, the restoration of basic services, support for disabled people, and aid for reconstruction.”
The declaration of a state of calamity is intended to speed up relief and humanitarian aid, the Brazilian government said in a statement.
The rainy season in Brazil, from December to March consistently brings heavy rains, with accompanying flooding and landslides. Residents of Juiz de Fora said this February has been the heaviest rainfall in the city’s history.
Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology has issued heavy-rain alerts on Tuesday for parts of 14 states, including all of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.
