Flood disaster leaves 46 dead, 21 missing in Brasil's Minas Gerais

The death toll from severe rainfall in Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais has climbed to 46, while 21 people remain missing, according to the latest official update released on February 25.

The city of Juiz de Fora has been the hardest hit, accounting for 40 of the fatalities, foreign media reported.

The neighbouring municipality of Ubá has reported six deaths. Authorities said that 19 people are still missing in Juiz de Fora and two others in Ubá.

The disaster has displaced thousands of residents. Around 3,000 people in Juiz de Fora and 26 in Ubá have been left homeless, while another 400 residents in Juiz de Fora and 178 in Ubá were evacuated as a precaution due to the continued threat of landslides and flooding.

Municipal authorities in both Juiz de Fora and Matias Barbosa have declared a state of public calamity, a measure that allows local governments to access federal resources and accelerate emergency response procedures. Classes in municipal schools across the affected areas have been suspended.

Heavy rainfall intensified on Monday afternoon, causing rivers to overflow and forcing the closure of bridges and an underpass. Fallen trees and blocked roads have further disrupted transportation. February has already become the wettest month on record in Juiz de Fora, with total precipitation exceeding more than twice the historical average.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with victims and rescue personnel, while state governor Romeu Zema declared three days of official mourning throughout Minas Gerais. The Brazilian Ministry of Defence has joined emergency operations, deploying troops to assist with cleanup and debris removal, provide logistical support, establish temporary shelters, and conduct helicopter-assisted humanitarian missions.

By Tamilla Hasanova