Extreme rainfall leaves 10 dead in Ipatinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Extreme rainfall hit parts of Minas Gerais, Brazil late Saturday into Sunday, January 11 into 12, 2025, causing destructive landslides in which at least 10 people lost their lives. Most casualties were reported in Ipatinga where nearly 80 mm (3.1 inches) of rain fell in just one hour, causing widespread destruction.
Image credit: MetSul
Extreme rain in the Vale do Aço region of Minas Gerais produced floods and landslides on January 12, with the worst affected the city of Ipatinga (population 227 000) where 9 fatalities were confirmed.
According to the mayor’s office, the city received 80 mm (3.1 inches) within an hour on Saturday night (LT) and 204 mm (8 inches) by Sunday morning.
At a press conference early Sunday evening (LT), the mayor detailed damage to the city and what happened to the victims, declaring a state of emergency.
“We have houses collapsed, avenues blocked, and mud inundating several areas, leaving homes flooded,” the mayor said. “We are responding to the most urgent cases. If you have not been able to contact the Civil Defense, SAMU, or firefighters, please send us a message on social media.”
Among the victims are five people from the same family and two children.
Another landslide on the same hillside demolished an entire street and left homes and infrastructure in ruins.
In the nearby town of Santana do Paraíso, another body was discovered bringing the confirmed death toll to 10.
Emergency responders are still working to locate missing persons and assist displaced families.
In total, the city’s firefighters responded to 58 incidents related to heavy rain, with most for landslides and inspections in areas at risk of landslides.
460 people have been displaced and will be sent to the Ipatingão Stadium.
Read more:
1 GALERIA DE FOTOS: DESASTRE PELA CHUVA NA CIDADE MINEIRA DE IPATINGA – MetSul – January 12, 2025
2 At least 10 dead in Brazil landslides – France 24 – January 13, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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