At least 25 people have died after torrential rains triggered severe floods and landslides in Brazil’s south-eastern state of Minas Gerais, authorities said. The worst-hit city was Juiz de Fora, where 18 deaths were reported, while seven others were confirmed in nearby Ubá. Emergency crews are continuing search operations for dozens of missing residents after homes collapsed under mudslides.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared a state of calamity in Juiz de Fora to speed up federal aid and pledged nationwide support for relief and reconstruction. Around 440 people have been left homeless or displaced, with shelters opened and donations of essentials requested.
Officials warned that more heavy rain is forecast across Minas Gerais and neighbouring states, raising fears of further flooding and landslides as Brazil’s summer rainy season continues.
