Heavy Rains Kill Dozens in Southeast Brazil as Flood Risks Mount

Heavy rains that began Monday night have left dozens dead and caused widespread destruction in southeastern Brazil, exposing a longstanding structural problem of housing in high-risk areas vulnerable to seasonal downpours.

Storms in the state of Minas Gerais caused rivers to overflow, destroying bridges and roads, flooding various areas, and displacing nearly 2,600 people. At least 54 have died and 14 remain missing in the cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá, according to the latest bulletin from the state’s Fire Department. As of Thursday morning, 238 people had been rescued.