Brazil: Widespread flooding leaves at least 46 dead in southeast as of January 26

Event

Heavy rainfall and consequent widespread flooding have left at least 46 people dead and thousands displaced in southeastern Brazil in recent days as of Sunday, January 26. Most of those killed in the inclement weather were in Minas Gerais state (37 deaths); Belo Horizonte, the state capital, received record rainfall over a 24-hour period. The nine others reported dead were in Espírito Santo state.

Further rainfall is forecast in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo states over the coming days, which may lead to further flooding and lingering disruptions to transportation, business, and electricity.  

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions and flight reservations before setting out, anticipate transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.