At least 23 dead as heavy rains unleash floods in southeastern Brazil
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Heavy rains have caused devastating floods in southeastern Brazil, claiming at least 23 lives and leaving over 40 people missing as rescue operations continue. The worst-hit area is the state of Minas Gerais, with Juiz de Fora reporting at least 18 deaths. Torrential rainfall since Monday has led to landslides, collapsing homes, and widespread displacement. Emergency workers, including those with search-and-rescue dogs, are combing through debris in affected towns like Uba, where seven deaths were also recorded. The situation remains dire as more rain is expected, complicating rescue efforts.
The flooding has left at least 440 people displaced and entire neighborhoods buried under mud and sludge. In Juiz de Fora, a swollen river changed course, inundating the city and causing significant damage. Mayor Margarida Salomao described the rainfall as the heaviest in the region’s recorded history, with over 180mm of rain falling in just four hours. This unprecedented downpour has led to at least 20 landslides, including the collapse of several homes. Many victims were caught off guard while inside their homes during the night.
Rescue efforts have yielded some hope amid the tragedy. Firefighters reported finding a boy alive after two hours of digging through rubble, highlighting the ongoing search for survivors. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged government support, focusing on humanitarian aid, restoring basic services, and assisting displaced individuals. Despite the challenges, officials remain committed to prioritizing life-saving efforts.
The disaster underscores Brazil’s vulnerability to extreme weather events, which are expected to intensify with climate change. As global leaders gather for COP30 in Brazil, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the human toll of extreme rainfall and the need for robust disaster response systems. The situation in Minas Gerais also highlights the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of increasingly severe weather events.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026