A severe flash flood in the municipality of Ub, located in Minas Gerais, Brazil, has led to a shocking scene where dozens of coffins were seen floating down submerged streets. This incident, which occurred following torrential storms that began on March 4, 2024, has left residents in disbelief as caskets were filmed drifting past inundated traffic lights.
Witnesses described the moment with astonishment, as two women were heard exclaiming, “My god!” while observing the coffins carried by the rapidly flowing, muddy waters. The floodwaters overwhelmed a local funeral home, leading to the tragic sight on the streets.
The devastating weather has resulted in the loss of at least 29 lives across Minas Gerais, with seven fatalities reported in Ub alone. In the nearby city of Juiz de Fora, north of Rio de Janeiro, a further 22 individuals have died, and approximately 45 residents are currently unaccounted for. The flooding has wreaked havoc, destroying homes, businesses, and medical facilities, and has prompted local authorities to declare a state of emergency.
Emergency Response and Community Impact
Local officials have taken swift action in response to the disaster, suspending school activities and closing nurseries. A spokesperson for Ub City Hall expressed deep concern for the affected families, stating, “Families have lost everything. Homes, stories, memories: lives were shaken in just a few hours.”
Emergency teams from the Fire Department, Municipal Guard, and Municipal Civil Defence Coordination have been deployed to assess the damage and assist in recovery efforts. They are working diligently to restore essential services as quickly as possible. The representative added, “Now, more than ever, our city needs the strength of its people.”
The community faces significant challenges as residents begin to grapple with the aftermath of the flooding. The emotional and material toll on families is immense, and local support will be crucial in the days ahead.
As recovery efforts continue, the situation in Minas Gerais remains fluid, with ongoing assessments of the damage and the needs of those affected. The response from local authorities and emergency services will be pivotal in aiding the community’s recovery from this catastrophic event.
