Deadly Floods Ravage Southeastern Brazil, Claiming 25 Lives
Torrential rains have unleashed catastrophic flooding in southeastern Brazil, resulting in at least 25 fatalities and leaving 43 individuals missing. The disaster struck as a river overflowed its banks, triggering a devastating mudslide that swept away homes during the night. Officials reported the grim toll on Tuesday, with rescue operations in full swing across the affected regions.
State of Emergency Declared in Minas Gerais
In the state of Minas Gerais, streets transformed into raging rivers, with dramatic images from the fire brigade showing residents clinging to electricity poles and signaling for help from windows. The municipality of Juiz de Fora recorded 18 deaths and 40 missing, while the city of Uba reported seven deaths and three missing, according to official figures.
Hundreds of rescue workers, aided by sniffer dogs and local volunteers, are scouring debris and mud in a desperate search for survivors. "We've been here since last night to see if they survive underground ... hope is the last thing to die," said Livia Rosa, a 44-year-old seamstress with relatives buried in the mud, in an interview with AFP.
Major Demetrius Goulart of the fire brigade described the scene in Juiz de Fora's Parque Burnier suburb, where a massive landslide swept away 12 homes. "Many people were inside their homes at night when it was raining," he noted, adding that a boy was rescued alive after two hours of effort and hospitalized.
Record Rainfall and Climate Change Concerns
Firefighters are responding to numerous incidents, including flooding, landslides, and structural risks along the Paraibuna River, which burst its banks. Juiz de Fora's mayor, Margarida Salomao, declared a state of emergency, citing the wettest February on record with 584 millimeters of rainfall. Some neighborhoods are isolated, with at least 20 landslides reported.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva acknowledged the emergency, placing national civil defense on high alert and pledging support for humanitarian aid and reconstruction. This tragedy adds to Brazil's history of extreme weather events, such as the 2024 floods that killed over 200 people and the 2022 deluge in Petropolis that claimed 241 lives. Experts link these disasters to climate change impacts.
Global Political Developments: Putin, Iran, and Diplomatic Tensions
In other news, Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed security services to combat foreign interference in upcoming September elections, emphasizing the need to protect electoral integrity. This move comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
Iran Nuclear Talks and Domestic Unrest
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a deal to avoid military conflict with the United States is "within reach" ahead of resumed talks in Geneva. He emphasized diplomacy's priority, while Iran warned against any attack, vowing to defend its sovereignty. Concurrently, university protests in Tehran have reignited, with students challenging clerical leadership, prompting government warnings about "red lines."
US-France Diplomatic Spat Over Comments
A diplomatic row between the United States and France has been defused after US Ambassador Charles Kushner called French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The dispute arose from US comments on the killing of a far-right activist in France, which Paris viewed as interference. Kushner pledged not to interfere in French affairs, smoothing over tensions and agreeing to a future meeting.
Other Incidents: Fire in India and Fatal Accident in Bihar
In India, a major fire broke out at an old plastic recycling factory in Vikravandi, destroying materials and machinery, with efforts ongoing to extinguish it. Additionally, a head-on collision between a bus and two auto-rickshaws on NH-31 in Bihar's Bhagalpur district resulted in four deaths and 11 injuries, with police investigating speeding as a likely cause.
