At least 36 dead, 33 missing due to heavy rains in southeast Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- At least 36 people have died and 33 remain missing due to heavy rains in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais, local authorities said Wednesday.

Brazil's Civil Defense said that most deaths occurred in the city of Juiz de Fora, where 30 fatalities have been confirmed. Rescue teams have saved 208 people amid ongoing landslides, floods and structural collapses.

Due to the scale of the damage, the Juiz de Fora city hall declared a "state of public calamity" and suspended classes throughout the municipal network. The nearby municipality of Matias Barbosa issued a similar decree to access federal funds and expedite emergency responses.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the victims, while Minas Gerais Governor Romeu Zema declared three days of official mourning in the state. Emergency operations continue with support from Civil Defense. ■