Heavy rains over the weekend, dumping a staggering 204mm (8 inches) in just a few hours, triggered the devastating landslides, primarily affecting the precariously constructed neighborhoods situated on steep hillsides. Several homes were washed away, and the entire Bethania neighborhood in Ipatinga has been declared a zone of emergency, as local officials scramble to respond to the crisis. Mayor Gustavo Nunes expressed his disbelief at the intensity of the rainfall, stating that residents had little time to prepare.
The emergency declaration has resulted in the displacement of approximately 150 individuals, and local reports confirm that at least nine fatalities have been recorded in Ipatinga, with an additional victim found nearby in Santana do Paraíso. In a miracle amidst the tragedy, two youths were able to escape from a residence where five family members suffered fatal consequences.
The health infrastructure in Ipatinga has also taken a substantial hit, with the local health center reported to be in a poor state for patient care. Walisson Medeiros, the health minister of Ipatinga, acknowledged the center's inability to assist those in need, and measures have been taken to relocate waiting patients to safer facilities.
Governor Romeu Zema has pledged to assess the damage personally and provide support for recovery efforts. The state remains on high alert as further rains are forecasted, emphasizing the urgency for disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.
