Landslides in Brazil's Minas Gerais Claim Lives and Displace Residents

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At least 10 people have died due to landslides in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, officials reported today. The devastating mudslides struck the city of Ipatinga after torrential rainfall of 204mm fell on Sunday morning. This severe weather has severely impacted the Bethania neighborhood, where the mudslides were most destructive.

The mayor of Ipatinga, Gustavo Nunes, has declared a state of emergency in response to the situation, which has left approximately 150 residents homeless. The mayor expressed that the intensity of the rains took the community by surprise, stating, "There was no time for people to prepare."

Local reports confirm that nine fatalities occurred in Ipatinga, with another body discovered in the nearby city of Santana do Paraíso. Two young individuals managed to escape from a home where five family members were buried under the mud.

The city's health center sustained damage from the landslides, and patients awaiting treatment have been relocated. Health Minister Walisson Medeiros expressed gratitude to neighboring areas for their assistance during this critical time.

Governor Romeu Zema announced plans to visit the affected regions later today as recovery efforts continue in the wake of this natural disaster.

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