29 killed, 40 missing in Brazil landslides as heavy rains batter Minas Gerais

At least 29 people have been killed and 40 others are missing after heavy rains triggered landslides in the state of Minas Gerais in southeastern Brazil, according to officials. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

The disaster struck on Tuesday in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá, both located in Minas Gerais, a large inland state north of Rio de Janeiro.

By 5:30 p.m., 28 deaths had been confirmed in the two cities, g1 reported, citing Civil Defense officials. Authorities said 37 people were missing in Juiz de Fora and three in Ubá.

Throughout the night, firefighters rescued over a dozen people alive from areas hit by landslides and flooding. More than 140 firefighters have been deployed as part of the response effort, g1 said.

Juiz de Fora recorded about 80 percent of its average monthly rainfall in just a few hours, overwhelming drainage systems and destabilizing hillsides. Local officials declared a state of public calamity.

Minas Gerais is one of Brazil’s most populous states and includes both major urban centers and mountainous terrain that is vulnerable to landslides during periods of intense rain.