Deadly rains in Brazil have forced thousands of people from their homes in the state of Minas Gerais after days of intense rainfall triggered floods and landslides. The cities of Juiz de Fora, Matias Barbosa, and Ubá were among the worst-affected areas. Authorities confirmed loss of life, widespread destruction, and growing humanitarian needs across the region.
According to the State Civil Defense, more than 3,500 people have been displaced following record rainfall levels that were three times higher than what is normally expected in February. In Juiz de Fora alone, over 1,400 emergency incidents have been recorded this month. The city’s hilly and mountainous terrain made the situation worse, increasing the risk of landslides and structural damage.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has stepped in to support national and local authorities. Paolo Caputo, IOM Chief of Mission in Brazil, said that ensuring access to safe shelter, essential services and timely assistance is critical during such emergencies. He added that the agency is working closely with authorities to help affected families, including migrants, recover with dignity.
As an immediate response, IOM is delivering essential relief items to the municipal authorities in Juiz de Fora. The organization is also partnering with the National Social Assistance Task Force (FORSUAS), under Brazil’s Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger, to deploy a technical team. This team will support the management and organization of temporary shelters for those forced to leave their homes.
In addition, IOM is supporting a fundraising campaign launched by Vakinha, a Brazilian crowdfunding platform. The campaign aims to raise funds for safe drinking water, hygiene kits, cleaning supplies, and food baskets for affected families. IOM will help implement activities financed through the donations and has pledged to remain involved in both short-term response and long-term recovery efforts.
The agency has experience responding to similar disasters in Brazil. In 2024, IOM supported communities affected by severe flooding in Rio Grande do Sul. More than 1,000 people were hosted for nearly a year in reception centres in Porto Alegre and Canoas, where families received safe shelter, meals, child-friendly spaces and basic services to help them rebuild their lives.
IOM has been operating in Minas Gerais since 2019, working with state and local governments to promote the socioeconomic integration of migrants and support voluntary return and reintegration programmes for Brazilian nationals. The organization expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all those impacted by the disaster.
As rescue and relief operations continue, authorities are urging residents to stay alert while recovery efforts intensify. The deadly rains in Brazil have once again highlighted the growing risks linked to extreme weather events and the urgent need for a coordinated humanitarian response.