Heavy rain and flooding in Brazil leave 23 dead, over 40 missing

BRASILIA: At least 23 people have died and more than 40 remain missing after heavy rainfall triggered flooding in southeastern Brazil’s Minas Gerais state, authorities said. According to reports by Al Jazeera, the intense downpours began on Monday, with the highest number of casualties recorded in the city of Juiz de Fora. In Juiz de Fora, located about 310 kilometers (190 miles) north of Rio de Janeiro, at least 440 people have been displaced due to the flooding. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the affected families and said the government would provide all necessary assistance. According to the officials rescue operations are ongoing, with saving lives and delivering emergency aid to affected residents currently the top priority.