Minas Gerais: At least 25 people have died after torrential rains triggered devastating floods and landslides in the south-eastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, authorities confirmed.
Most of the fatalities were reported in Juiz de Fora, where 18 people lost their lives, while another seven deaths were recorded in the nearby city of Ubá. Emergency teams are continuing frantic searches for dozens still missing after homes and buildings collapsed overnight under the force of mudslides.
Durante escala de viagem em Abu Dhabi, tomei conhecimento da situação das famílias da Zona da Mata Mineira após as fortes chuvas das últimas horas. E determinei pronta mobilização do Governo do Brasil para auxiliar a população da região. Uma equipe de coordenação da Força…
— Lula (@LulaOficial) February 24, 2026
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his deepest condolences to grieving families and announced a state of calamity in Juiz de Fora to speed up federal assistance. Writing on X, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said the government had mobilised nationwide resources to deliver humanitarian aid and support reconstruction, pledging action with the speed and force this moment requires.
Local officials said about 440 residents have been left homeless or displaced in Juiz de Fora alone. Temporary shelters have been opened as authorities appeal for donations of water, food, clothing and hygiene supplies.
Mayor Margarida Salomão described the disaster as the saddest moment of her five years in office and declared three days of mourning. Children were among the victims, though identities have not yet been officially released.
Emotional scenes unfolded across the region as families searched through mud and debris for loved ones. Residents also recounted dramatic rescues, including the saving of a four-year-old child and three adults from a buried home.
Videos circulating online showed muddy torrents sweeping away vehicles and destroying buildings. In Ubá, floodwaters even struck a funeral home, carrying several caskets through the streets. Authorities also released images of severe erosion on the hillside known as Morro do Cristo, where rainwater carved a deep gorge.
State governor Romeu Zema called it a sad day and voiced solidarity with affected families. Officials said this February has already become the rainiest on record for Juiz de Fora, with precipitation more than double the monthly average.
Brazil’s national meteorological institute has issued further heavy rain alerts for Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and 12 other states, raising fears of additional flooding and landslides as the country’s summer rainy season peaks.
Extreme weather has repeatedly battered Brazil in recent years. In 2024, nearly 200 people were killed in catastrophic floods in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, affecting more than two million residents across the region.
Authorities warn that unstable ground and continued rainfall could hamper rescue operations in the coming days as the nation confronts yet another deadly natural disaster.
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