Heavy rains wreak havoc on Brazil: 68 dead, hundreds trapped under debris

Brasilia (The Uttam Hindu): The death toll due to heavy rains in Brazil's south-eastern province of Minas Gerais has reached 68. Of these, 62 have died so far in the city of Juiz de Fora, while six have also lost their lives in Uba. According to the local administration, the main reason for the increase in the death toll is the recovery of bodies from the debris and the death of the injured during treatment. Three people are still confirmed missing in the city of Juiz de Fora and two in Uba. Relief and rescue teams have continued the search operation in the collapsed houses.

Authorities are using heavy machinery, sniffer dogs, and rescue teams to search for those trapped under the debris. Heavy rains in the area on Monday afternoon caused rivers to swell, destroying several bridges and underpasses, and downed trees blocking roads.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the rescue workers. Meanwhile, Minas Gerais Governor Romeo Zema declared three days of mourning in the province. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defense has deployed troops to the affected areas under an emergency to clear debris, deliver food supplies, set up temporary shelters, and provide humanitarian aid.