The heavy rains that hit Juiz de Fora, in Minas Gerais, left at least 16 dead and 440 people homeless, according to the city hall. In Ubá, according to the city hall, 6 people died because of the rains.
In the early hours of this Tuesday (24), the municipality declared a state of public calamity. In a statement, the municipal administration stated that the city is experiencing a critical scenario. “Juiz de Fora is facing a serious moment due to the heavy rains. This is already the wettest February in history, with volume more than double what was expected for the entire month. All city hall teams and security forces are mobilized on the streets”, says the statement.
Mayor Margarida Salomão announced the suspension of classes in all schools in the municipal network. According to official data, in just three hours the accumulated rainfall in some neighborhoods exceeded 190 millimeters, a volume considered extremely high and capable of causing flooding, landslides and other disturbances.
Civil Defense teams continue to monitor risk areas and advise residents to avoid unnecessary travel while adverse weather conditions persist.
