Police Confirm Body of Last Missing Flood Victim in Ubá After 22 Days of Searches

Overview

• The body was recovered on March 17 during removal of debris from the Rio Ubá and was sent to the medical examiner for analysis.
• Minas Gerais Civil Police confirmed the remains as Luciano Franklin Fernandes, 50, through forensic exams including recognition and dental analysis, and released the body to relatives.
• Fernandes had been swept away during the severe storms of February 23–24, prompting a prolonged search along the river corridor.
• The operation involved 28 firefighters over three fronts with systematic sweeps using excavators, K9 teams, drones with thermal cameras, and flood‑mapping tools.
• Authorities now count eight deaths in Ubá from the event, while Juiz de Fora recorded 65 fatalities, and searches continue for a separate missing person in Barbacena reported on March 11.