In the early hours of Monday, February 23, 2026, severe weather in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais triggered widespread flash floods and deadly landslides. The hardest-hit areas, Juiz de Fora and Ubá, have faced destruction that has left at least 30 people dead and numerous others missing. This disaster, which unfolded as torrential rains struck the region, has led to extensive damage, displacements, and a major rescue effort still ongoing as of Wednesday, February 25.
What Happened in Juiz de Fora and Ubá?
Overnight on Monday, as rains lashed the region, the Paraibuna River in Juiz de Fora, one of the hardest-hit cities, burst its banks, flooding streets and turning them into raging rivers of mud. In the Parque Jardim Burnier neighborhood, nestled on the hillside, massive landslides swept away dozens of homes while residents slept, sparing them no chance to escape.
In the neighboring city of Ubá, about 110 kilometers to the southeast, the effects of the flash floods were equally devastating. The combination of unprecedented rainfall, high river levels, and the pre-existing saturation of the ground left the region particularly vulnerable. Both cities, home to a combined population of over 670,000, faced substantial damage and a dire humanitarian crisis.
When Did the Flooding and Landslides Occur?
The devastating landslides and flash floods began overnight on February 23, 2026, continuing into the morning hours. The situation quickly worsened as the rains persisted, causing more destruction across the affected cities.
The emergency response effort kicked into full gear by the afternoon of February 23, with local authorities and the Minas Gerais Fire Department leading search and rescue operations. By February 25, the death toll had risen significantly, with at least 30 confirmed fatalities, and rescue teams continued to work under hazardous conditions to search for survivors and locate the missing.
Where Did the Flooding Impact the Most?
The most affected cities were Juiz de Fora and Ubá, located in the state of Minas Gerais. Juiz de Fora, with a population of approximately 560,000, saw the worst of the destruction, as landslides destroyed homes in hillside neighborhoods like Parque Jardim Burnier. Ubá, a smaller city with about 107,000 residents, also experienced flash flooding and infrastructure damage, though on a somewhat smaller scale.
Additionally, the Paraibuna River’s overflow contributed to the large-scale flooding in both cities, blocking roads and cutting off access to many neighborhoods. Local authorities in Minas Gerais are still assessing the full extent of the damage and coordinating emergency efforts.
Why Did This Happen?
The devastating floods and landslides were triggered by severe weather conditions, including record-breaking rainfall in Juiz de Fora, which accumulated more than 584 mm (approximately 23 inches) in just a few days. This rainfall amount is more than double the city’s historical monthly average, setting a new record for February 2026.
The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) issued a “danger” red alert for Minas Gerais and surrounding states, warning of continued heavy rainfall, which is expected to bring up to 3.9 inches of rain per day, along with strong winds. The saturated ground left by days of rain made the region highly susceptible to both flooding and landslides, amplifying the disaster’s effects.
How Is the Government Responding?
In response to the crisis, Juiz de Fora’s Mayor, Margarida Salomão, declared a state of public calamity, officially recognizing the situation as extreme and enabling the swift allocation of government resources for rescue and recovery operations. This declaration has allowed for the immediate mobilization of federal aid, which is crucial to assist those affected by the disaster.
On February 25, rescue efforts continue with more than 130 state firefighters working in collaboration with civil defense teams, sniffer dogs, and heavy machinery to comb through the mud in search of survivors. Brazilian authorities have pledged federal support for the relief efforts, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva committing resources to provide humanitarian assistance, restore basic services, and support displaced people.
What Are the Current Casualty and Displacement Figures?
As of Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the official casualty and displacement figures have been updated:
- Fatalities: 30 confirmed dead with more feared to be trapped beneath the rubble.
- Missing Persons: Between 39 and 47 individuals remain unaccounted for, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
- Displaced: Over 440 people have been displaced from their homes and are being sheltered by municipal authorities in safe areas.
The official figures are still being updated as more rescue teams join the operations, and the full scale of the damage becomes clearer.
What Are the Immediate Needs and Challenges?
The situation remains critical, and recovery efforts are expected to take time. With ongoing weather alerts and the continued risk of further flooding and landslides, Minas Gerais remains in a state of emergency. The displaced individuals are in urgent need of food, water, medical assistance, and shelter as authorities work to clear debris and restore infrastructure.
The record rainfall and subsequent landslides have strained local resources, and much work remains to restore basic services to the affected areas. Local authorities are calling for additional aid and support to meet the needs of the survivors and help rebuild the affected communities.
Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead
The flooding and landslides in Juiz de Fora and Ubá, triggered by severe rainfall and saturated ground, have left a trail of destruction across Minas Gerais. As rescue efforts continue, the priority remains to save those trapped beneath debris, provide shelter and support for the displaced, and begin the long process of recovery. With continued rainfall predicted in the coming days, the residents of Minas Gerais and surrounding areas will need all the help they can get to recover from this devastating natural disaster.
The post Brazil Faces Heartbreaking Tragedy As Torrential Rains Spark Mass Destruction — Over 30 Killed in Flash Floods and Landslides! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
