Death toll in Brazil rainstorms rises to 46

Heavy rains in Brazil’s southeastern Minas Gerais state have left 46 dead and 21 missing, officials reported Wednesday. The hardest-hit city, Juiz de Fora, accounts for 40 deaths, while Uba reported six. Around 3,000 people in Juiz de Fora and 26 in Uba are homeless, with hundreds evacuated due to flooding and landslide risks. Municipal authorities have declared states of public calamity and suspended school classes. Rivers have overflowed, roads and bridges are blocked, and fallen trees have added to the chaos. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity, while Governor Romeu Zema declared three days of mourning, and the Defense Ministry deployed troops to aid rescue and relief efforts.

Credit : CGTN