Brazil Floods: Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro States Grapple with Deadly Landslides

Families in southeastern Brazil are mourning the loss of loved ones and beginning the arduous task of burying the dead following devastating floods and landslides. As of Wednesday, February 26, 2026, the death toll has risen to at least 46 across the states of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. The disaster has displaced thousands and triggered a state of emergency in affected communities.

Impact and Casualties

The majority of confirmed fatalities are concentrated in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Uba, located approximately 192 miles (310 kilometers) north of Rio de Janeiro. According to the Minas Gerais fire department, at least 21 people remain missing as of Wednesday afternoon and over 3,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes.

Among the victims was 11-year-old Bernardo Lopes Dutra, who died when heavy rains caused his house to collapse. His father, Ricardo Dutra, described his son as “a boy with a big heart who, in his own way, touched everyone around him,” during the funeral in Juiz de Fora. Dutra’s wife and daughter are currently hospitalized.

Community Response and Shelters

Local communities are rallying to provide support to those affected. The Rev. Ananias Simões, pastor of a church in Juiz de Fora, stated that the church has been transformed into a temporary shelter, providing food, water, and refuge for displaced residents. “We’re doing what we can… We’re in a war situation,” he said.

Dário Tibério, a 41-year-old truck driver, evacuated his home with his family due to fears of collapse and is seeking shelter at the church. He expressed concerns about the potential for further landslides and the resulting insecurity.

Extent of Damage and Emergency Measures

Juiz de Fora, a city of approximately 560,000 residents, is covered in mud, and authorities are bracing for additional landslides. Neighboring Uba, with a population of 107,000, has effectively come to a standstill. Classes have been suspended in both cities, as announced by their respective mayors.

The City Hall of Juiz de Fora reported that around 600 families living in vulnerable areas are being relocated to local schools that have been converted into shelters. The city experienced rainfall levels double the expected amount for February. Mayor Margarida Salomão confirmed at least 20 landslides have occurred since the torrential rains began on Monday evening.

Government Response and Climate Change

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced on social media that security forces have been deployed to conduct rescue operations and provide immediate assistance to affected populations.

Scientists emphasize that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events is linked to human-induced climate change. Recent devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul state in May 2024 resulted in at least 185 deaths and caused over 10 billion reais ($1.9 billion) in financial losses.

Local Concerns and Prevention

Flávio Clemente Rodrigues, a 46-year-old resident of Juiz de Fora whose house was partially destroyed by the rains, lamented the lack of preventative measures and public assistance. “We never had support from the public authorities to help us with anything,” he stated, referring to the heavily affected Parque Burnier neighborhood.

His stepson, Samuel Goncalves, 17, narrowly escaped injury when rocks fell near their home. He described the scene as “really sad and worrying.”