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Brazil Floods Kill 68, Search Continues for Missing After Record Rains

The death toll from catastrophic rains in Brazil's Minas Gerais state has climbed to 68, with the vast majority of fatalities occurring in the city of Juiz de Fora. Emergency crews are working around the clock to search for five missing people amid landslides and structural collapses. The intense rainfall, which began earlier in the week, caused rivers to overflow, destroyed infrastructure, and made February the wettest month on record for the region. Brazilian authorities, including the Ministry of Defence, have mobilized to support rescue and humanitarian efforts.

Key Points: Brazil Rains Death Toll Climbs to 68 in Minas Gerais

  • Death toll rises to 68
  • Juiz de Fora hardest hit with 62 deaths
  • Search continues for 5 missing people
  • Record rainfall caused landslides and floods
2 min read

Death toll from Brazil's heavy rains climbs to 68

Death toll from heavy rains in Brazil's Minas Gerais state reaches 68, with search efforts ongoing for the missing after historic flooding.

"February has already become the wettest month on record in Juiz de Fora - Officials"

Brasilia, Feb 28

The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais has risen to 68, local authorities have said.

Among all the victims, 62 were recorded in the city of Juiz de Fora, while six others were in the city of Uba, officials said on Friday (Local time).

According to the authorities, the death toll includes people found dead in the rubble and those who were rescued alive but later died in health facilities due to the severity of their injuries.

There are still three people reportedly missing in Juiz de Fora and two others missing in Uba, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the officials.

Search and rescue efforts continue to locate possible survivors among collapsed houses.

Authorities are maintaining a rotating 24-hour work schedule, with emergency crews, heavy machinery and search dogs operating in areas affected by landslides and structural collapses.

The heavy rainfall, which intensified on Monday afternoon, has caused rivers to overflow, leading to the closure of bridges and an underpass, as well as fallen trees and blocked roads. February has already become the wettest month on record in Juiz de Fora, with precipitation levels more than double the historical average.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the victims and rescue teams, while Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema declared three days of official mourning in the state. The Ministry of Defence is supporting emergency efforts with troop deployments for cleanup, debris removal, logistical aid, temporary shelters and helicopter-assisted humanitarian operations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Terrible. Double the historical rainfall? Climate change is making these extreme weather events more common everywhere, including in India. We need better disaster preparedness and early warning systems globally.
A
Aman W
Very sad. It reminds me of the Kerala floods. The deployment of defence forces for rescue and cleanup is crucial. Hope they find the missing people safe. Strength to Brazil.
S
Sarah B
While the solidarity expressed by leaders is important, one has to ask if enough was done for urban planning and infrastructure to handle such rainfall. Prevention is just as critical as response. A tough lesson for many cities worldwide.
V
Vikram M
Om Shanti. The pain of losing a home and family is unimaginable. The mention of search dogs and helicopters shows a coordinated effort. India should also look at enhancing its own aerial disaster response capabilities.
K
Kriti O
So many lives lost. It's a stark reminder of nature's power. My prayers are with the people of Minas Gerais. Hope the international community, including India, offers any assistance needed.

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