Floods and landslides killed 23 in Brazil

At least 23 people have been killed in floods and landslides caused by continuous heavy rains in southeastern Brazil. The disaster hit the country's state of Minas Gerais. The city of Juiz de Fora has been hardest hit, with at least 18 deaths reported so far.

international

desk

2026-02-25

At least 23 people have been killed in floods and landslides caused by continuous heavy rains in southeastern Brazil. The disaster hit the country's state of Minas Gerais. The city of Juiz de Fora has been hardest hit, with at least 18 deaths reported so far. 

This information was found in the report of Al-Jazeera based in Qatar.

On Tuesday (February 24), emergency workers and trained rescue dogs searched the wreckage. More than 40 people are still missing after heavy rains started on Monday (23 February).

Local resident Livia Rosa, 44, said, “We have been here since last night (Monday) to see if anyone is alive underground.” He said that some members of his family were buried under the mud. 'Hope is now the last hope.

Meanwhile, the country's weather forecast has said that rain may continue for the next few days, which will make rescue operations more difficult.

Several video footages showed mud and silt washed away by floodwaters covering various parts of the city. The water of the river has left its normal course and entered the city.

At least 440 people have been displaced in this incident. Seven more deaths were also reported in the nearby town of Uba.

Juiz de Fora Mayor Margarida Salomon also said there were at least 20 landslides in the area and many houses collapsed. He said that many people were inside the house during the rain at night.

Major Demetrius Goulart, the officer of the rescue force, said that it took them about two hours to rescue a child trapped under the rubble. He said, we still have hope.

At least 108 members of the rescue department of Minas Gerais state are involved in rescue operations in Juiz de Fora and 28 in Uba.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged to stand by the victims, saying we will provide maximum assistance in ensuring humanitarian aid, restoring emergency services, assisting the displaced and reconstruction.

Mayor Salomon also said that there was a record rainfall in the region in February this year. He said more than 180 millimeters of rain fell in just four hours — which was intense, devastating and persistent. He referred to it as the 'saddest day' of his tenure.

He said, we are still giving the highest priority to save lives.

Bangladesh /CM