The severe weather has left over 150 homeless and causing infrastructure damage in Minas Gerais state.
Tragedy Strikes as Landslides Claim Lives in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Tragedy Strikes as Landslides Claim Lives in Minas Gerais, Brazil
At least 10 fatalities reported after devastating landslides in Ipatinga and surrounding areas due to heavy rainfall.
On Sunday, torrential rain triggered catastrophic landslides in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, resulting in at least 10 confirmed deaths. The hardest-hit area was the Bethania neighbourhood in the city of Ipatinga, where residents were taken by surprise as 204mm (8 inches) of rain fell within just a few hours. Landslides have unfortunately become common during Brazil's rainy season, particularly in communities situated precariously on the sides of steep hills.
In response to the calamity, Mayor Gustavo Nunes of Ipatinga declared a state of emergency, noting that the intensity of the rainfall was unexpected and left no opportunity for local residents to prepare for the deluge. Among the casualties, nine individuals are confirmed dead in Ipatinga, while another victim was discovered in the nearby city of Santana do Paraíso, located approximately half an hour away.
Local reports highlight that two survivors managed to escape a home where five relatives were tragically killed by the mudslide. Additionally, the city's health centre suffered significant damage due to the landslides, leaving it unable to serve patients. Health Minister Walisson Medeiros confirmed that all waiting patients had to be relocated for their safety.
Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema has announced plans to visit the affected regions as rescue and recovery efforts commence. The Brazilian government has faced criticism in the past for inadequate infrastructure planning in vulnerable areas, raising questions about the long-term strategies for disaster risk reduction and response in regions prone to severe weather events. The tragic events in Ipatinga and across Minas Gerais serve as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters, affecting countless individuals and communities.
In response to the calamity, Mayor Gustavo Nunes of Ipatinga declared a state of emergency, noting that the intensity of the rainfall was unexpected and left no opportunity for local residents to prepare for the deluge. Among the casualties, nine individuals are confirmed dead in Ipatinga, while another victim was discovered in the nearby city of Santana do Paraíso, located approximately half an hour away.
Local reports highlight that two survivors managed to escape a home where five relatives were tragically killed by the mudslide. Additionally, the city's health centre suffered significant damage due to the landslides, leaving it unable to serve patients. Health Minister Walisson Medeiros confirmed that all waiting patients had to be relocated for their safety.
Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema has announced plans to visit the affected regions as rescue and recovery efforts commence. The Brazilian government has faced criticism in the past for inadequate infrastructure planning in vulnerable areas, raising questions about the long-term strategies for disaster risk reduction and response in regions prone to severe weather events. The tragic events in Ipatinga and across Minas Gerais serve as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by natural disasters, affecting countless individuals and communities.
