Floods and landslides in Brazil kill at least 30 after record rainfall
The Guardian World
by Agence France-PresseFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Record-breaking rainfall has caused devastating floods and landslides in southeastern Brazil, resulting in at least 30 deaths and leaving 39 people missing as of Tuesday. The state of Minas Gerais was particularly hard-hit when a river burst its banks due to an overnight downpour, sweeping away homes and transforming streets into torrents of brown water. Firefighters have been working tirelessly to search through debris for survivors and recover bodies, with three rescuers recently pulling a man’s body from the mud in the aftermath of a landslide.
The region has experienced unprecedented rainfall this month, setting new records that have left communities struggling to cope. The sheer force of the floodwaters has caused widespread destruction, leaving entire neighborhoods buried under layers of mud and debris. rescue operations are ongoing, but the search for the missing is complicated by the unstable terrain and the difficulty of navigating through the wreckage.
This disaster highlights the growing threat of extreme weather events globally, with climate change playing a significant role in increasing the frequency and severity of such incidents. The situation in Brazil serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable communities are to sudden and catastrophic natural disasters. As rescue efforts continue, international attention remains focused on the region, hoping for the best outcome for those affected by this devastating tragedy.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026