Southeast Brazil: Floods Sweep Away Homes and Coffins Float on Roads

The city of Ouba in the state of Minas Gerais, Southeast Brazil, witnessed a tragic scene due to sudden floods caused by heavy rains, where dozens of coffins floated on the roads after rainwater submerged funeral homes, an incident that shocked residents and social media users.

Casualties and Displaced Persons

The state fire department reported that the death toll has risen to 40, while around 3,600 people have been displaced from the cities of Juiz de Fora and Ouba, which are about 110 kilometers apart. 27 people are still missing, amidst intensive search and rescue efforts.

Widespread Destruction and Collapsed Infrastructure

The storms caused homes and shops to be swept away, medical centers to be flooded, and cars to be washed away, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency and close schools and nurseries.

A spokesperson for the municipality of Ouba confirmed that "families have lost everything: homes, stories, memories… their lives have been shaken in just a few hours," highlighting the magnitude of the disaster that has struck the local community.

Rescue Efforts and Restoration of Services

Firefighters, municipal guards, and civil defense teams have been working since early morning to survey the affected areas, secure the displaced, and restore essential services as quickly as possible, amidst an atmosphere of sadness and shock among the residents.