What is the location of the flooding?
As of February 25, 2026, persistent torrential rainfall has impacted southeastern Brazil, particularly the states of Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, and Rio de Janeiro. Intense rainfall over several days caused rivers to overflow and hillsides to collapse, triggering widespread flooding and deadly landslides.
The worst impacts are concentrated in mountainous and riverside areas where rain totals shattered previous records, overwhelming infrastructure and drainage systems (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?
Flooding and landslides have devastated multiple cities and towns in the region:
- Minas Gerais: Particularly in mountainous municipalities near river basins.
- Espírito Santo: Coastal and inland communities submerged by swollen rivers.
- Rio de Janeiro: Mountainous regions and hillside neighborhoods hit by landslides.
In these areas, saturated slopes and fast-rising floodwaters have destroyed homes, blocked roads, and isolated communities. Emergency crews are navigating impassable highways and debris-strewn neighborhoods as rescue operations continue.
What is the current containment status of the flooding?
Rescue and response efforts are ongoing as floodwaters remain elevated in many river basins. Civil defense authorities have plucked survivors from rooftops and washed-out roads, while helicopters search for missing residents amid flooded valleys (2).
Water levels in several rivers are still high, slowing recovery and containment efforts. Officials warn that additional rainfall may compound existing flood damage and hamper relief operations (3).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities have issued widespread flood and landslide warnings across southeastern Brazil as rain continues to fall intermittently. Evacuation orders have been enforced in the most dangerous flood zones, and shelters are operating to house displaced families (4).
Residents are urged to stay away from swollen rivers, avoid unstable slopes, and follow guidance from Brazil’s civil defense agencies as updated advisories are issued.
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
