At least 23 people have been confirmed dead after torrential rains triggered devastating floods and landslides in Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais starting Monday (February 23).

As of Tuesday, emergency services and rescue teams, aided by disaster-trained search dogs, are racing against time to locate at least 40 individuals still reported missing under the debris.

Juiz de Fora: The Epicenter of the Tragedy
The municipality of Juiz de Fora has suffered the highest number of casualties, with 18 bodies recovered so far.

Massive Displacement: At least 440 people have been left homeless in the city, located approximately 310 kilometers north of Rio de Janeiro.

Landslides: Mayor Margarida Salomão confirmed that the area witnessed at least 20 landslides, causing several houses to collapse entirely.

Record Rainfall: The Mayor described the situation as the "saddest day" for her administration, noting that over 180mm of rain fell in just four hours. February 2026 is now on track to be the wettest month in the region's history.

Rescue Efforts Amidst the Mud
Despite the destruction, there was a glimmer of hope this morning when rescuers pulled a child alive from the rubble. However, the search for others remains perilous.

Casualties Elsewhere: In the neighboring town of Ubá, at least seven additional deaths have been reported.

Sudden Onset: Fire Brigade Major Demetrius Goulart told AFP that many victims were asleep when the deluge hit on Monday night, causing rivers to burst their banks and bury neighborhoods in thick mud and silt.

Government Response
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged full federal support for the victims and humanitarian aid for the state. In a social media post, the President stated that the government’s primary focus is saving lives, assisting the displaced, and restoring essential services.

Ongoing Challenges
Over 100 officers from the Minas Gerais Fire Service are currently deployed. However, meteorologists predict continued rainfall over the next few days, significantly increasing the risk of further landslides and hampering the search for the 40 missing persons.