Heavy rains in Brazil have caused landslides, downed trees, and flooding.

On Tuesday, Brazilian President Lula da Silva ordered the immediate mobilization of the federal government in response to the severe storm in Minas Gerais, where at least 20 people have died, and dozens remain missing.

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Amid official visits to India, Lula asked to send a team from the public health service to assist those affected by the disaster. The goal is to guarantee humanitarian assistance, restore basic services, help displaced people, and support reconstruction.

The Brazilian president expressed his condolences to families who lost homes and loved ones. He also declared a state of emergency in Juiz de Fora, a municipality with 16 fatalities and 500 people displaced.

Heavy rains have caused landslides, downed trees, and flooding in neighborhoods of Juiz de Fora, while local authorities continue rescue efforts with search dogs, looking for at least 45 missing people.

Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema decreed three days of official mourning and explained that the state will continue working to “alleviate suffering.”

The Juiz de Fora City Hall suspended school activities, opened three schools as shelters, and asked residents to take refuge in designated safe areas. The city has accumulated 584 millimeters of rain in Feb., doubling the expected rainfall.

More precipitation is expected due to a cold storm moving across the southeastern coast. Brazil has experienced several extreme weather events in recent years: in May 2024, at least 180 people died in Rio Grande do Sul, while Porto Alegre and many cities were flooded.

teleSUR: JP

Source: EFE

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