Juiz de Fora

Juiz de Fora is a city located in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. It is currently newsworthy due to being heavily impacted by severe floods and landslides in late February 2026. Record rainfall in the region caused rivers to burst their banks and triggered widespread destruction, burying homes and turning streets into raging currents. The death toll has risen steadily, reaching at least 64, with many still missing as search and rescue operations continue. The disaster has forced thousands to evacuate their homes. Scientists attribute the increased intensity of such extreme weather events to the continued burning of fossil fuels, highlighting the broader climate implications of the tragedy. The city's plight underscores the vulnerability of the region to climate change-related disasters and the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation strategies.