Tragedy in Minas Gerais: death toll from storms reaches 53 on third day of searches

Minas Gerais faces a challenging scenario with the intensification of storms that have already resulted in 53 deaths and left thousands of people homeless or homeless. The situation, concentrated mainly in Juiz of Fora and Ubá, required the third consecutive day of search operations for the missing, with rescue teams working in extreme conditions to locate victims amid the rubble and mud.

Rescue activities in critical areas, such as Juiz and Fora, were temporarily suspended last night due to the high risk of new landslides and the persistent volume of rain. The interruption was aimed at ensuring the safety of the rescuers themselves, who face unstable terrain and adverse weather conditions.

To reinforce support for the affected communities, Prefeitura of Juiz of Fora announced the sending of one hundred soldiers from Exército. Esses professionals join firefighters and Defesa Civil teams on the front line of victim care, assisting in searches, removing debris and providing logistical support for emergency shelters.

Intensified rescue operations

Search and rescue operations resumed with sunrise, focusing on the most affected locations in Juiz of Fora and Ubá. The efforts are meticulous and exhaustive, with the hope of finding survivors or bodies amid the debris that covers several residential areas. The mobilization of a large contingent of security forces and volunteers reflects the seriousness of the situation.

To date, the updated figures indicate a total of 47 dead and 13 missing only in Juiz of Fora, while the city of Ubá records 6 deaths and 2 people have not yet been located. The community remains on high alert, with the expectation that the number of victims may change as the search progresses and new collapse points are inspected.

Scenario of devastation in Juiz de Fora

The morning was apprehensive in Juiz of Fora, where the accumulated rainfall reached an impressive 113 millimeters. Esse water volume caused the collapse of new homes, intensifying the public calamity. Apesar of the new structural collapses, there were no immediate reports of new victims, which provides a brief relief in the midst of chaos.

Since the beginning of the week, the city has been hit by incessant storms that have resulted in a large number of displaced and homeless families, totaling more than 3,500 people. Essas families lost their homes, their possessions and their sense of security, seeking refuge and support in emergency structures or relatives’ homes.

Defesa Civil of Juiz of The weather forecast points to continued rain until Friday, the 27th, keeping the city in a state of alert and emergency teams in full readiness.

Reception and support infrastructure

Given the scale of the disaster, several municipal institutions were transformed into temporary shelters for the victims. Escola Municipal Raymundo Hargreaves, located in the Bom Jardim neighborhood, in Juiz of Fora, stands out as one of the 15 units of the education network that opened its doors to welcome affected families. Este space has become a central point for humanitarian assistance.

The school’s vice-principal, Laurisa Barreto do Nascimento, emphasizes the importance of collective work and solidarity shown by the community. Voluntários and city hall employees came together to offer not only a roof over their heads, but also food, clothing, hygiene products and psychological support to those who lost everything. Collaboration is essential to get through the most critical days.

Shelters serve as donation distribution centers where families receive essential items and, most importantly, find a safe, welcoming environment to start over. The organization and coordination of these structures are crucial to meeting the needs of such a vulnerable population, providing the necessary support at a time of profound crisis.

In addition to public shelters, the solidarity network extends throughout the city, with churches, neighborhood associations and independent groups mobilizing fundraising campaigns. The civil society response has been vital in complementing government efforts, ensuring that as many people as possible receive the assistance they urgently need.

Juiz de Fora: a city at risk

A survey carried out by Centro Nacional of Monitoramento and Alertas of Desastres Naturais (Cemaden) reveals a worrying reality for Juiz of Fora. The city ranks ninth in the Brasil with the largest population residing in areas at high risk for natural disasters. Essa condition places a significant portion of its inhabitants in constant vulnerability.

Of the 540,756 inhabitants of Juiz and Fora, a total of 128,946 people live in areas classified as at risk. Isso represents 23.7% of the city’s total population exposed to threats such as landslides, floods and flash floods. The recurrence of these extreme weather events highlights the need for more robust preventive measures and infrastructure.

Ongoing Challenges and Weather Alert

The persistence of unfavorable weather conditions poses an ongoing challenge to authorities and residents. With more rain expected until the end of the week, surveillance remains constant in all vulnerable areas, and contingency plans are updated to react to any new emergency. The population is advised to follow the recommendations of Defesa Civil and to seek safe places.

The magnitude of the catastrophe that has unfolded since the beginning of the week reinforces the urgency of public policies aimed at risk management and sustainable urbanization. Reconstruction and recovery of affected areas will be a long process, requiring a coordinated effort between government and society to mitigate the future impacts of extreme weather events.

Situation in affected municipalities

Although Juiz of Fora concentrates the largest number of incidents and victims, the municipality of Ubá also faces serious consequences resulting from heavy rains. Ambas cities are in a state of emergency, with relief teams committed to meeting the immediate needs of the population and continuing the search for those who are still missing.