At Least 30 Killed, Dozens Missing in Brazil Floods
Severe flooding in southeastern Brazil has left at least thirty people dead and dozens missing, as rescue teams race against time searching survivors.
Authorities said on Wednesday that the flooding struck Minas Gerais state, where heavy rains triggered widespread destruction in urban and rural areas. Emergency crews were deployed to affected communities as waters inundated homes and infrastructure.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the victims’ families in a message posted on the social media platform X, offering condolences and support. Local officials said displaced residents are receiving temporary shelter and humanitarian assistance.
The mayor of Juiz de Fora said hundreds of residents had been forced from their homes as floodwaters swept through neighborhoods. Search and rescue teams continued combing debris and flooded zones for those still unaccounted for.
Authorities confirmed that dozens remain missing, raising fears that the death toll could climb further as recovery operations proceed. Emergency responders said difficult terrain and unstable conditions are complicating rescue efforts.
Brazil frequently experiences seasonal flooding during periods of intense rainfall, particularly in southeastern states vulnerable to landslides and overflowing rivers. Experts have linked increasingly extreme weather events to climate variability and rapid urban expansion.
Last year, severe floods in other parts of Brazil caused significant casualties and widespread displacement, prompting renewed debate about disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. Officials have since pledged stronger preventive measures, though challenges remain.
As rescue operations continue, authorities urged residents in high-risk areas to remain alert and follow safety guidance. The government said it would coordinate closely with state and municipal officials to support affected communities and rebuild damaged infrastructure.
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