Authorities in the eastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco reported that the death toll rose to 106 after torrential rains struck the region four days earlier, with at least ten more people confirmed as missing. The update came as the state intensified search efforts to locate those unaccounted for and to assess the full scope of damage. Pernambuco Governor Paulo Câmara emphasized the ongoing commitment to locate every missing person and to support affected communities during this critical phase.
The National Civil Defense issued a warning via its official social media account about a loud forecast for additional flooding in Pernambuco, including the capital city Recife. Rescue teams resumed operations on Tuesday after being temporarily paused the day before due to the reintroduction of severe weather conditions in the area. Local authorities maintained vigilance as weather patterns persisted and floodwaters continued to create new challenges for relief efforts.
The impact of the severe weather has been substantial, leaving more than 6,100 people without shelter. A minimum of 14 municipalities have proclaimed a state of emergency, according to Brazilian news outlets. The most affected zones include Vila dos Milagres to the west of Recife, IV treated in Jaboate3o, Areeiro in Camaragibe, and Jardim Monte Verde located on the border between Recife and Jaboate3o. In the Jardim Monte Verde corridor alone, more than 20 deaths had been confirmed to date, underscoring the scale of the disaster in that region.
In response to the crisis, Governor Câmara announced that once the state of emergency was declared, authorities would allocate 100 million reais to support rescue and recovery operations and to fund infrastructure repairs damaged by the rains. He described the initial hours as particularly difficult, noting that he had coordinated with all municipal leaders to develop a concrete action plan outlining the types of assistance needed from the state government. The emphasis remained on rapid deployment of resources, coordinated logistics, and collaboration with local authorities to streamline relief actions across affected communities.
On the national stage, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro conducted an aerial assessment of the flooded areas. During this visit, he criticized Governor Câmara for not consulting him earlier on the response strategy for the heavy rains. The President’s remarks highlighted the ongoing tension between federal and state authorities as they navigated the response to a disaster that touched multiple communities.
As the emergency unfolded, responders and volunteers faced continuous weather uncertainties, swollen rivers, and damaged roads that hampered access to affected neighborhoods. Emergency shelters were established to accommodate displaced residents, and relief distributions were organized to provide essential supplies such as food, clean water, and basic hygiene items. Local officials stressed the importance of prioritizing vulnerable populations, including families with young children and elderly residents, while coordinating cleanup and reconstruction efforts.
Residents described the intensity of the rainfall and the sudden rise in flood levels that trapped many households. Rescue teams implemented safety protocols to manage swift currents, mudslides, and unstable structures. In several districts, the search for missing people remained persistent, with teams using boats and specialized equipment to reach difficult terrain. The community response included volunteers who joined official teams to assist with evacuation, debris removal, and the distribution of emergency provisions. Authorities urged residents to stay vigilant and to heed official warnings as the weather situation developed and new forecast updates were issued.
Civil defense officials also outlined plans to review and reinforce drainage systems and flood mitigation measures in the wake of the disaster. The objective was to reduce the risk of future floods and to accelerate recovery in the most affected districts. Engineers and planners were tasked with assessing housing damages, prioritizing the reconstruction of critical infrastructure, and coordinating with federal programs to mobilize additional resources for long-term recovery.
Across Pernambuco, the disaster response showcased a joint effort among local government, civil defense agencies, and humanitarian groups. The experience underscored the importance of preparedness and timely communication in mitigating the effects of extreme weather. As officials continued to monitor weather developments and coordinate relief operations, families faced a difficult recovery path ahead, with rebuilding needs spanning shelter, livelihoods, and public services. Throughout the ongoing crisis, the commitment of emergency personnel and volunteers remained central to the response, as communities looked toward recovery and resumption of daily life.