At least 22 dead after record rainfall triggers floods and landslides in Minas Gerais, Brazil
At least 22 people have died in the state of Minas Gerais in Southeastern Brazil, after a severe storm brought heavy rain, triggering floods and landslides between February 23 and 24, 2026. Rainfall totals reached up to 200 mm (8 inches) in 24 hours, triggering flooding and landslides across the city of Juiz de Fora.
At least 16 people were killed and 440 left homeless after a severe storm struck Juiz de Fora, Zona da Mata Mineira, Brazil, between February 23 and 24.
Around 46 people, including children, remain missing, and six additional fatalities were reported in Ubá during the same period, according to Reuters. Authorities declared a State of Calamity as intense rainfall triggered flooding and landslides across the city.
Rainfall totals of 100–200 mm (4–8 inches) were recorded within 24 hours between February 23 and 24 in Juiz de Fora. The highest accumulation was measured at the Nossa Senhora de Lourdes rain gauge, where 191 mm (7.5 inches) was recorded, including more than 100 mm (3.9 inches) in just three hours on February 24.
Rainfall accumulation over the 24 hours ending at 05:00 LT on February 24 ranged from 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) in Barreiro, to 18.2 mm (0.7 inches), in Venda Nova, reported Civil Defense office of Belo Horizante.
Pampulha recorded 17.2 mm (0.7 inches), Centro-Sul and Leste 15 mm (0.6 inches) each, Oeste 13.2 mm (0.5 inches), Nordeste 12.8 mm (0.5 inches), Noroeste 12.6 mm (0.5 inches), Norte 12.2 mm (0.5 inches), and Hipercentro 10.8 mm (0.4 inches)
Monthly rainfall total for February at 05:00 LT on February 24 has significantly exceeded the monthly average of 177.7 mm (7 inches) in most districts.
Barreiro recorded 328.1 mm (12.9 inches), equivalent to 184.6% of the monthly average. Centro-Sul registered 322.8 mm (12.7 inches; 181.7%), Leste 319.0 mm (12.6 inches; 179.5%), Noroeste 291.4 mm (11.5 inches; 164 %), Oeste 290.8 mm (11.4 inches; 163.6%), Nordeste 276.4 mm (10.9 inches; 155.5%), Norte 265.6 mm (10.5 inches; 149.5%), Venda Nova 231.4 mm (9.1 inches; 130.2%), and Pampulha 224.2 mm (8.8 inches; 126.2%).
Hipercentro remained closer to the climatological norm with 183.2 mm (7.2 inches), or 103.1% of average.
A landslide struck Halfeld Street and nearby roads in Morrod do Cristo, with debris reaching Constantino Paleta and Olegário Maciel streets. Residents were evacuated due to the continued risk of slope instability.
Juiz de Fora City Hall stated that this is the rainiest February in the city’s recorded history, with total rainfall reaching 584 mm (23.0 inches), more than double the expected monthly average.
Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology issued heavy rain alerts for parts of 14 states, including the entire territories of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. Civil Defense authorities issued an Extreme Alert for heavy rainfall and landslides on February 24, reported G1.
Feature image credit: Itatiatia (stillshot)
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules.