Minas Gerais floods leave 55 dead as more rain arrives

Heavy rain and landslides in Minas Gerais have left 55 people dead and prompted ongoing rescue operations, with authorities warning of more rain and strong winds.

Heavy rain and landslides this week have caused widespread flooding and damage in Brazil's Minas Gerais state, and officials report the death toll has risen to 55. Rescuers continued searching on the third day after the storms, with 13 people still listed as missing and more than 230 people rescued. More than 5,500 residents have been forced to leave their homes, and Juiz de Fora and Uba are reported as the hardest-hit cities. Local authorities declared a state of public calamity in Juiz de Fora and arranged evacuations and shelters as meteorologists warned of additional heavy rain. Key facts: - Authorities report 55 people dead, 13 missing, and more than 230 rescued following floods and landslides. - Over 5,500 people have been displaced; victims were found in Juiz de Fora and Uba, and a state of public calamity was declared in Juiz de Fora. - The national weather institute, Inmet, forecast more rain with strong winds and warned of risks such as flooding and power outages; rescue teams remain active. - The federal government authorized about 3.4 million reais for reconstruction and humanitarian assistance, and security forces have been deployed to support rescue efforts. Summary: Officials say heavy rains and landslides caused the floods and structural damage. Rescue teams continue searching for missing people while forecasts of more rain could affect operations. The federal government has authorized funds for recovery and security forces are assisting on the ground.