Cities in southeastern Brazil are facing heavy rainfall that has caused flooding and dozens of landslides, resulting in 23 deaths and hundreds of people evacuated.
On Tuesday, 24 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Brazilian authorities reported that severe flooding in the country's southeast has killed at least 23 people, with several dozen more missing in Minas Gerais state. Meteorologists have warned that heavy rains are expected to continue in the region over the coming days.
The heavy rain began on Monday in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, located about 310 kilometers north of Rio de Janeiro, forcing approximately 440 residents to evacuate their homes.
The Minas Gerais state fire department said they are urgently searching for nearly 45 people reported missing since late Monday. Videos released by the agency show flooded streets in Juiz de Fora and Uba, with rivers overflowing their banks and inundating surrounding areas. Authorities have also warned residents to stay away from landslide-prone zones.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated on his social media that security forces are urgently conducting rescue operations and providing aid to those affected by the floods.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) announced that rainfall will increase further in Minas Gerais, a region characterized by hills, valleys, and steep terrain.
The Juiz de Fora municipal government reported that the city has received twice the expected rainfall for February. Mayor Margarida Salomé revealed earlier that at least 20 landslides have been reported.
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Source:cna