Brazil Floods Kill 46 in Minas Gerais, 21 Missing

The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais has risen to 46, according to the state fire department.

Severe flooding and landslides have displaced around 3,600 people in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, which are located about 110 kilometers apart. Authorities confirmed that 21 people are still missing as search and rescue operations continue.

The disaster has deeply affected local families. In Juiz de Fora, resident Ricardo Dutra attended the funeral of his 11-year-old son, Bernardo Lopes Dutra, on Wednesday. His wife and daughter remain hospitalized. Speaking about his loss, he said he is “trying to pick up the pieces.”

As rainfall eased on Tuesday evening, emergency teams and volunteers worked to support families who lost their homes and loved ones. Relief efforts are ongoing across the affected areas.

Juiz de Fora Mayor Margarida Salomao has urged residents living in high-risk zones to evacuate and move to shelters set up by the city government. The city remains under a state of calamity.

Brazil’s federal government has accelerated relief and humanitarian aid to the region. Health workers and national defense personnel have been deployed to assist with rescue operations and provide medical and logistical support.

At the funeral, family friend Nalvan Luiz described the emotional toll of the tragedy. He said there comes a point when people feel powerless while watching victims trapped under rubble, unable to do more to help.

Brazil is currently in its peak rainy season, which runs from December to March. During this period, the country often experiences heavy downpours, thunderstorms, floods, and landslides.

City officials in Juiz de Fora said this February has been the rainiest in the city’s history. Rainfall levels have already exceeded more than double the usual monthly average, worsening the impact of the disaster.