Heavy Rains Cause Flooding and Displacement in Central-West Minas Gerais

Torrential Downpour Hits Minas Gerais

The Central-West region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, has been significantly impacted by torrential rainfall between the night of Friday, January 23, and the morning of Saturday, January 24, 2026. The intense precipitation has led to widespread urban flooding, rivers overflowing their banks, and considerable damage to local infrastructure.

Formiga Records Over 200mm of Rain

Among the hardest-hit municipalities are Formiga, Itapecerica, and Pedra do Indaiá. The city of Formiga faced the most critical scenario, with Civil Defense reporting an accumulated rainfall of 211 millimeters in 24 hours. This figure is more than double the amount typically recorded during equivalent periods in previous years, an index classified by the City Hall as 'unprecedented in recent years'.

Rivers Overflow, Residents Displaced

The excessive rainfall caused several rivers to overflow, notably the Formiga River and the Mata-Cavalo River. At least 18 locations within Formiga experienced urban flooding, with low-lying neighborhoods and the central region being most affected. The floodwaters inundated homes and public roads, resulting in an unspecified number of residents being displaced and left homeless. Fortunately, local authorities have confirmed that no deaths have been reported in connection with the event.

Emergency Response Underway

In response to the crisis, Civil Defense teams are actively monitoring the situation, as forecasts indicate continued rainfall and a risk of further incidents. Teams from the Municipal Health Department, Civil Defense, and the mayor's office have been on the streets, providing assistance to affected families and monitoring at-risk areas.