In southeastern Brazil, a severe storm has sparked widespread flooding and landslides, compelling thousands to evacuate due to heavy rainfall.

Severe rainfall in Brazil has wrought havoc, claiming the lives of at least 25 individuals and prompting thousands to evacuate as floods and landslides ravage the mountainous southeast region.

As additional rain is forecasted for Sunday, emergency responders in Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro are working tirelessly to extract stranded residents. Teams comprising soldiers, firefighters, and rescue dogs are conducting search and rescue missions amid the chaotic conditions described by authorities.

In Espirito Santo, there have been 15 reported deaths, with 13 of them occurring in the town of Mimoso do Sul. State authorities have indicated that over 5,400 individuals have been evacuated from affected areas, where more than 270 homes were destroyed.

In Rio state, four people lost their lives due to a landslide striking the popular tourist destination of Petropolis, resulting in the collapse of a house.

According to officials, rescue workers have managed to save more than 90 people across the state.

During the late summer season in the southern hemisphere, heavy rainfall periods are common. However, climate change has been identified as a significant contributor to extreme weather events.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva acknowledged this reality when expressing condolences for the victims on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Lula stated that the weekend's storm had rendered thousands homeless and assured that his government would persist in collaborating with state and local authorities to "safeguard, mitigate, and address flood-related devastation."

The storm wasn't unexpected, as meteorologists had forecasted heavy rainfall, leading state authorities in Rio to declare a holiday and advise residents to remain indoors. Nevertheless, the sheer volume of rain has overwhelmed authorities handling the crisis.

According to the news agency Agencia Brasil, Petropolis received over 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) of rain on Saturday alone, far surpassing the area's monthly average for March, which is around 14 centimeters.

This storm follows a significant heat wave that elevated humidity levels, resulting in a local heat index exceeding 62 degrees Celsius (143 degrees Fahrenheit).