Death toll in Brazilian floods rises to 46 as rescuers continue search
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The death toll from recent floods in southeastern Brazil has risen to 46 people, with approximately 21 individuals still missing. The hardest-hit areas include Juiz de Fora and Uba, where the majority of the fatalities occurred. Emergency workers continue their search for survivors amid devastating scenes of mud and debris left behind by torrential rains. Many families, like Josiane Aparecida’s, face the heartbreak of losing loved ones to landslides and floods. Her aunt and cousin perished, while her cousin’s boyfriend and two young children remain unaccounted for.
The flooding has displaced over 3,600 residents and caused at least 20 landslides in Juiz de Fora since the rains began. Poorer communities and those living in improvised structures are particularly vulnerable to such disasters due to a lack of support from local authorities. This vulnerability is tragically illustrated by the story of Flavio Clemente Rodrigues, who expressed frustration over the absence of aid during the crisis.
The flooding has been exacerbated by heavy rains, which have caused rivers to overflow and hillsides to collapse. Bernardo Lopes Dutra, an 11-year-old boy whose life was cut short in the disaster, symbolizes the innocent lives lost. His father described him as a compassionate child who deeply impacted those around him.
The situation highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events linked to climate change. Brazil is not alone in facing such challenges; neighboring Peru has also declared a state of emergency due to widespread flooding and landslides. Meteorological warnings indicate
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026