Rescuers found the bodies of five people early this morning in the city of Juiz de Fora, the area most severely affected by the storm that began on Monday and continues to pose a threat to the region.
In Juiz de Fora, home to around half a million residents, 30 deaths have been confirmed so far, with 31 people still unaccounted for. In the town of Ubá, located about 100 kilometres away, six deaths have been confirmed and two people remain missing.
Security forces are working on nine fronts and have already rescued 208 people alive in the region. The torrential rains have left a trail of destruction in this green and mountainous part of Minas Gerais, triggering landslides and severe flooding that submerged entire neighbourhoods and caused structural damage.
Around 700 people in Juiz de Fora and Ubá have had to leave their homes. Weather forecasts indicate that intense rain is expected in the coming days, increasing the risk of further landslides and flash floods.
Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema said rescue teams will remain on the ground as long as needed, prioritising humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts. The federal government has announced emergency aid of 800 reais (about €130) for each displaced person, and is negotiating measures to advance social security payments for the affected population.
