At least 14 people have died and hundreds have been displaced after intense rainfall struck the southeastern Brazilian city of Juiz de Fora, local authorities confirmed on 24 February 2026. The downpour caused severe flooding and damage to homes, prompting the city to declare a state of public calamity as emergency responders mobilise to support affected communities.
Local officials say the rainfall triggered flash floods and related emergencies, forcing around 440 residents to leave their homes. State and federal agencies have joined municipal emergency services in rescue and relief operations, as rivers and drainage systems struggled to cope with the volume of water.
Juiz de Fora, located in the state of Minas Gerais, regularly experiences seasonal rains, but this latest storm system was unusually heavy, leading to rapid rises in water levels and inundation of residential areas. Authorities have been monitoring landslide risks and other hazards as saturated soil conditions persist in hills and valleys surrounding the city.
This incident comes amid wider concerns about extreme weather events in Brazil, where heavy rains and flooding have in recent years caused significant loss of life and widespread infrastructure damage in other regions. Climatic changes linked to ocean‑atmosphere patterns and broader global warming trends have been cited by experts as factors that may be increasing the frequency and intensity of such events, although local seasonal variations also play a key role.
Civil defence teams are continuing search and rescue activities, and officials are urging residents in vulnerable zones to remain cautious as waters recede and cleanup efforts begin.
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