Torrential rains in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais have resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 10 people confirmed dead and one person still missing. The most recent report from firefighters highlights the severity of the situation.
Ipatinga City Bears the Brunt of the Disaster
The city of Ipatinga, with a population of 227,000, was severely affected by the landslides. A staggering 80 millimeters of rain fell in just one hour during the night from Saturday to Sunday, according to the mayor’s office. Nine people lost their lives in the city, including an eight-year-old boy who was found in the rubble of a destroyed house by firefighters.
Destruction in the Bethania Neighborhood
A landslide in the Bethania neighborhood destroyed everything in its path, leaving a trail of devastation on a street on the side of a hill. Aerial images from AFP show the rubble of houses emerging from a massive brown stain.
Rescue Efforts and Response
One person remains missing in the area, while the bodies of four members of their family were rescued from the mud. A body was also found in the nearby town of Santana do Paraiso. The governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema, expressed his solidarity with the victims on social media and made the state government’s structure available to the municipality to support rescue efforts and provide assistance to those affected.
Extreme Weather Events in Brazil
Brazil has been hit hard by extreme weather events in recent times. Last year, the country experienced severe flooding in the south, resulting in over 180 deaths and significant property damage. Additionally, a historic drought linked to global warming affected the country, leading to devastating fires, especially in the Amazon region, with over 140,000 outbreaks recorded last year.
