SAO PAULO (AP) — Devastating flooding across southeastern Brazil has claimed the lives of at least 23 people while leaving dozens unaccounted for in Minas Gerais state, authorities announced Tuesday. Weather experts are cautioning that additional rainfall is anticipated across the affected region over the coming days.
Heavy downpours started Monday, impacting the communities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, located approximately 310 kilometers (192 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro. The deluge compelled roughly 440 local residents to abandon their residences.
The firefighters department in Minas Gerais reports they are currently conducting search operations for nearly 45 individuals who have been unaccounted for since Monday evening. Department officials released footage displaying water-logged roadways in both Juiz de Fora and Uba, where flooding caused a local river to change its natural path.
Authorities have issued warnings urging citizens to avoid locations that may be susceptible to mudslides.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced through his social media platforms that security personnel are actively engaged in rescue operations and delivering emergency aid to communities impacted by the rainfall.
The nation’s weather service, Inmet, released a statement indicating additional precipitation is predicted for the area, which is situated near mountainous terrain, valleys and steep inclines.
Officials from Juiz de Fora City Hall reported in a statement that the municipality received twice the typical rainfall amount expected during February. Mayor Margarida Salomão previously confirmed that no fewer than 20 landslides have been documented.
