As a result of the floods caused by heavy rains in the southwestern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, at least 30 people have died, and another 39 are reported missing, authorities said on Tuesday, according to LETA citing AFP and AP.
Heavy rains began on Monday in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes. Meteorologists warned that precipitation is also expected in the coming days in this region, which is located near hills, valleys, and slopes.
The fire service of the state of Minas Gerais reported that 30 people died in Juiz de Fora and Ubá, and more than 200 people were rescued.
Firefighters with search dogs continue to look for 39 people who have been missing since Monday evening.
Streets in both cities were flooded due to the overflowing river.
Authorities warned residents to stay away from areas where landslides are possible. In the mountainous area of Juiz de Fora, a landslide destroyed 12 houses.
The Juiz de Fora city hall reported that the city received twice the normal amount of rainfall for February. The city's mayor, Margarida Salomão, reported at least 20 landslides and declared a state of emergency.
In Juiz de Fora, about 3,000 residents were forced to leave their homes.
In recent years, Brazil has experienced several tragedies caused by extreme weather conditions.
In 2024, unprecedented floods in the south of the country claimed the lives of more than 200 people and affected two million people.
In 2022, floods in the city of Petrópolis near Rio de Janeiro resulted in 241 deaths.
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