Heavy rains struck the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais early on February 24, 2026, causing damage in several cities. One of the most affected was Matias Barbosa, in the Zona da Mata region, where the Paraibuna River overflowed and flooded parts of the city. Local authorities declared a state of public calamity.

According to the city government, 160 residents have been displaced and 35 left homeless. Those affected are currently being sheltered in the municipal schools Lucy Castro Cabral and Marieta Miranda Couto, which have been converted into emergency support centers.

Matias Barbosa has approximately 14,000 residents and is located near Juiz de Fora, one of the cities hardest hit by the rains in terms of the number of victims.

Volunteers mobilize to help

In response to the situation, volunteers from the Seventh-day Adventist Church mobilized to support affected families.

Beginning early in the morning, volunteers organized the preparation and distribution of meals for residents impacted by the flooding. Hundreds of meals were delivered throughout the day, with another distribution planned for the evening.

Organizers expect the response to continue in the coming days and may expand depending on the needs of the community.

The initiative reflects the church’s efforts to provide practical assistance and support to communities affected by natural disasters.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site.