Brazil flooding death toll rises to 64 as search efforts continue | Weather News
Death Toll Rises in Minas Gerais Flooding
In eastern Brazil, authorities report that the death toll from recent landslides and flooding has increased to 64, as search efforts continue for survivors. The surge in fatalities follows several days of heavy rainfall in the state of Minas Gerais, particularly impacting the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba.
The state fire department has confirmed that five additional individuals remain missing, while over 5,500 residents have been displaced.
Brazil’s meteorology institute, Inmet, has issued a warning about the potential for further severe weather in Minas Gerais, as well as in neighboring states Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Officials have highlighted concerns regarding landslides, rising river levels, and significant flooding.
On Saturday, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is scheduled to visit Minas Gerais to meet with local leaders. According to a statement from the presidential palace, Lula plans to conduct aerial surveys of the most affected areas and engage with the mayors of Juiz de Fora, Uba, and Matias Barbosa.
In response to the disaster, the federal government has allocated approximately 3.4 million reais (about $660,000) for reconstruction and humanitarian aid. The meeting with the mayors will occur at Juiz de Fora’s city hall, where nearly a quarter of the population—approximately 540,000 people—resides in zones identified as vulnerable to natural disasters related to land and water.
Footage captured Thursday evening depicted brown water coursing through the tourist area of Paraty, located in southeastern Brazil. Authorities are advising residents to avoid flooded areas and hillsides, as well as to refrain from taking shelter under trees due to lightning risks.
Scientists have noted a rise in the frequency of extreme weather events, attributing this trend to climate change driven by human activities. Greenpeace Brazil has called for urgent action through social media, urging better preparations for cities facing extreme weather conditions.
The recent deaths in Minas Gerais come nearly two years after devastating floods in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, which resulted in at least 185 fatalities.
