Minas Gerais has 59 confirmed deaths and more than 5 thousand people displaced after heavy rains in Juiz de Fora and Ubá
The heavy rains that have hit Minas Gerais since Monday (23) left 59 people dead by this Thursday afternoon (26). The balance released by the state government shows 53 deaths in Juiz of Fora and six in Ubá. Rescue teams continue to work without interruption in the most affected areas of Zona and Mata.
The total number of burials reached 82 registered cases. The search for the missing continues at a rapid pace.
• 13 people are still missing in Juiz of Fora • 2 people are still missing in Ubá • 45 bodies have already been identified and handed over to their families
Authorities mobilized criminal experts, coroners and specialists in forensic dentistry to speed up identification work.
Updated numbers of fatalities
The teams confirmed the 59 deaths after a detailed analysis of the affected locations. Juiz of Fora concentrates most of the records with 53 cases. Ubá has six confirmed fatalities.
The state government monitors the work of field teams in real time. The data is consolidated with each bulletin update.
Details about the missing
Thirteen people remain missing in Juiz of Fora while two remain unlocated in Ubá. The searches entered their third consecutive day with support from multiple fronts.
Rain fell again in the early hours of the morning and temporarily interrupted operations in some areas. Crews resumed work as soon as conditions permitted.
Authorities are asking family members of missing people to contact regional police stations to provide additional information.
Body identification process
Forty-five bodies have been identified and handed over to their families so far. The work involves comparing documents and collecting biological material.
A material collection station was installed at Delegacia Regional of the neighborhood Santa Terezinha in Juiz of Fora. The structure makes it easy to send samples for DNA analysis.
Family members are advised to bring previous medical exams, x-rays, CT scans and dental records. Recent Fotografias also help in the recognition process.
Experts work in an integrated manner to reduce the time between locating and releasing the bodies.
Collection of material for identification
The collection of biological material takes place in an organized manner at the post set up by the police. Especialistas in forensic genetics follow each step.
The collected material is immediately sent to accredited laboratories. The goal is to complete outstanding identifications as quickly as possible.
Families receive psychological support throughout the body delivery procedure.
Situation of shelters in Juiz and Fora
Two hundred and fifty-three people are homeless and have been taken into temporary shelters in the city. City halls prepare meals and hygiene items for those sheltered.
The reception structure works with the support of volunteers and state agencies. The locations are monitored to ensure safety and basic comfort.
Activities of relief teams in Ubá
Six deaths have been confirmed in the municipality of Ubá so far. Firefighter and police teams work together in local searches.
The accumulated volume of rain required the mobilization of reinforcements to respond to the incidents. Main streets were affected by repeated flooding.
Demand for service in neighboring municipalities
The municipalities of Pedra Dourada and Senador Firmino also registered demands for help. Teams extended support to these nearby locations.
Matias Barbosa counts 810 homeless people who received assistance from the authorities. The total number of displaced people across the region reaches 5,510 people.
General balance of incidents attended to
Firefighters and military police have recorded 270 incidents related to rain so far. The number includes landslides, flooding and rescues in urban areas.
Eight work fronts operate uninterruptedly at Zona and Mata. Cada front has equipment and specialized personnel for searching rubble.
Rescue operations rescued several people alive over the days. The work continues as long as it is possible to locate survivors or missing people.
The city halls of the affected cities declared a state of calamity to speed up the receipt of resources. The state government coordinates the sending of additional supplies and teams.
Information about the homeless is updated daily by municipal departments. Em Juiz of Fora are 3,500 people, in Ubá there are 1,200 and in Matias Barbosa there are 810.
The total of 5,510 people displaced reflects the impact on homes that were temporarily uninhabitable. Families receive assistance for temporary relocation.
The intense rains saturated the soil and caused multiple landslides on occupied slopes. The teams prioritize the highest risk areas in their searches.
The DNA collection station installed at Juiz of Fora operates extended hours to meet the demands of families. The location centralizes the receipt of samples and documents.
Experts recommend that family members organize materials in advance to speed up care. Collaboration between institutions speeds up the entire identification process.
Rescue operations rely on logistical support from the state government. Veículos and heavy equipment have been moved to the region since the beginning of the week.
The final balance of the incidents will be released after the searches are completed in all affected areas. Teams remain focused on locating the remaining missing.
The population receives guidance to avoid risk areas while the rains persist. Authorities monitor weather forecasts in real time.
Integrated work between firefighters, police and civil defense guarantees broad coverage throughout Zona and Mata. The service fronts remain active during the day and night when possible.
