Brazil's Minas Gerais state is reeling from the impact of heavy rains, which have killed at least 30 people, left over 3,000 homeless, and 39 people remain missing. Authorities reported that 22 of the confirmed deaths occurred in Juiz de Fora, while another seven happened in Ubá following a river overflow on Monday night. A thirtieth victim was also confirmed in the region, though the specific city was not specified. Due to the extent of the damage, the Juiz de Fora city hall declared a state of public calamity early Tuesday morning and suspended classes throughout the municipal school network, as well as in the neighboring municipality of Matias Barbosa, to facilitate access to federal resources and expedite emergency actions. According to the Argentine News Agency, rainfall began to intensify late Monday afternoon, causing floods, landslides, and house collapses in various neighborhoods of Juiz de Fora, a city situated in a region with rugged terrain, featuring numerous hills and slopes. The Paraibuna River and other streams overflowed, forcing the closure of bridges and an underpass connecting neighborhoods with the city center, in addition to causing trees to fall and block roads. The governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema, declared three days of official mourning in the state. The Ministry of Defense reported that it has been activated to support emergency response actions, including the deployment of troops for road cleanup and clearance, debris removal, logistical support, the organization of temporary shelters, and the use of helicopters in humanitarian operations.
