Torrential rains triggered deadly landslides in southeast Brazil, resulting in at least 10 fatalities, according to rescue teams in Minas Gerais state on Sunday. The city of Ipatinga experienced 80 millimeters (3.1 inches) of rain in just one hour on Saturday night. As a result, nine people lost their lives, reported the mayor’s office. Notably, firefighters recovered the body of an eight-year-old boy from a collapsed house.
Landslide Devastates Bethania Neighborhood
Meanwhile, another landslide hit the Bethania neighborhood, sweeping away everything in its path. Houses were buried under the mud, and images from the scene showed rubble poking up from the debris.
Missing Person and Rescue Efforts
By Sunday evening, one person remained missing in the area. However, four other family members were rescued. Additionally, a body was found in the nearby town of Santana do Paraiso.
Solidarity from the Governor
In response, Minas Gerais state governor Romeu Zema shared a message of “solidarity with the victims” on social media, expressing his support during this difficult time.
Brazil Faces Multiple Weather Disasters
This disaster is part of a larger trend of extreme weather in Brazil. Earlier this year, floods caused by record-breaking rainfall killed more than 180 people in the south. Furthermore, the country has been battling a historic drought, worsened by climate change, which led to the worst wildfires in 17 years, ravaging vast parts of the Amazon rainforest.
