At least ten individuals have lost their lives due to mudslides that struck two cities in Minas Gerais, Brazil, following an extraordinary downpour. The Bethania neighborhood in Ipatinga bore the brunt of the disaster, with an alarming 204mm (8 inches) of rain recorded just on Sunday morning. Such landslides are a frequent hazard during the rainy season, particularly affecting communities built on steep slopes.
The mayor of Ipatinga, Gustavo Nunes, declared a state of emergency in response to the intense rains that caught many by surprise, stating that “there was no time for people to prepare.” In total, at least 150 individuals have been left homeless, as numerous homes collapsed under the weight of the mud. Of those confirmed dead, nine bodies were retrieved from Ipatinga, while an additional body was located approximately half an hour's drive away in Santana do Paraíso.
Local news sources reported that two young individuals managed to escape a house in which five family members were tragically buried by the landslide. The city’s health center sustained significant damage, rendering it incapable of providing services, prompting authorities to relocate patients until further notice. The health minister of Ipatinga, Walisson Medeiros, expressed gratitude to neighboring cities for their offers of assistance.
As the situation evolves, the governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema, is expected to visit the affected regions soon to oversee relief efforts. The combination of landslides and severe flooding during this rainy season has historically resulted in significant casualties across Brazil.
