In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that it “watches with dismay the severe consequences of the storm in the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais, especially in Juiz de Fora and Ubá, which caused fatalities and missing persons.”
“It sends its deepest condolences and solidarity to the people and authorities of Brazil,” the statement added.
At least 53 people have died and 15 remain missing due to the torrential rains in Minas Gerais, according to the Fire Department’s latest report.
Read more about this topic: Death toll rises to 36 due to torrential rains in Brazil (with video)
The update includes the discovery of six bodies of people previously reported missing as of Wednesday.
The highest number of victims (47 dead and 13 missing) was recorded in Juiz de Fora, a city of half a million inhabitants in southern Minas Gerais, near the border with Rio de Janeiro.
The remaining victims were reported in Ubá, about 100 kilometers away, also located in the Zona da Mata, a mountainous region that frequently experiences heavy rainfall during the austral summer.
The storm began on Monday, triggering landslides, severe floods that submerged entire neighborhoods, and structural damage to infrastructure. Rains continue, causing new floods and landslides this morning, while firefighters and security forces maintain rescue operations for affected residents.
Read more: Death toll rises to 36 due to torrential rains in Brazil (with video)
Approximately 3,600 inhabitants of Juiz de Fora and Ubá have had to leave their homes since Monday and are staying in temporary shelters or with relatives.
