Torrential rains in the state of Minas Gerais have forced authorities to declare a state of emergency. Landslides, flooding and a river that has overflowed its banks have created serious problems.
The mayor of Juiz de Fora, Margarida Salomão, says many residents are missing and some neighborhoods are isolated, with at least 20 landslides. She calls the situation “extreme.”
Local authorities report that at least 16 people have died so far. Another four have died in the city of Ubá, which is in the same state.
In addition, over 400 people have been forced to leave their homes due to the torrential rains, the worst in a February since measurements began.
