Severe flooding and landslides triggered by torrential rainfall in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais have left at least 64 people confirmed dead, with more still missing and emergency crews continuing search and rescue operations. The cities of Juiz de Fora and Ubá have been hardest hit, with large swathes of residential areas inundated and infrastructure damaged including roads and bridges. Authorities reported that heavy rainfall since earlier this week has forced more than 4,700 residents to evacuate their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

President promises free housing and financial aid for flood victims in Minas Gerais

During his visit to Juiz de Fora, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced immediate assistance measures for families impacted by torrential rains that have killed at least 70 people in Minas Gerais. Addressing residents in the worst-affected city, he pledged free housing for those who lost their homes and access to funds from employment guarantee schemes. The president outlined a purchase assistance system allowing families to choose replacement homes anywhere in the state. Stressing that no victim would be left unsupported, Lula urged authorities to avoid bureaucratic delays in responding to the crisis. According to the state fire brigade, the majority of fatalities occurred in Juiz de Fora, with additional deaths reported in nearby Uba.

Bolsonaro’s son draws level with Lula in new presidential poll

A new electoral survey published by El Pais shows one of Jair Bolsonaro’s sons statistically tied with Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva for the first time in a hypothetical presidential race. The poll marks a significant shift in Brazil’s political landscape, suggesting the Bolsonaro family retains strong support despite ongoing legal and political challenges. Analysts cited by the newspaper point to growing polarisation and dissatisfaction among segments of the electorate as factors behind the narrowing gap. While Lula remains a central figure in Brazilian politics, the emergence of a Bolsonaro heir as a competitive contender underscores the enduring influence of the former president’s political movement ahead of future elections.

Lula hails Women’s World Cup, calls for greater recognition of women’s football

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has publicly praised the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, which Brazil will host, and called for the sport to receive greater institutional and cultural recognition. Speaking at an event tied to the Women’s World Cup trophy tour in Brasília, Lula underscored the importance of elevating women’s football in Brazil and globally, linking the tournament to broader efforts for gender equality in sport. He said the heightened visibility offered by the World Cup presents an opportunity to address longstanding disparities, including in pay and professional support, between male and female athletes. Brazilian officials and sports representatives at the ceremony echoed his remarks, highlighting how the tournament could inspire future generations and advance recognition of women’s achievements on the pitch.

São Paulo initiative offers hygiene and legal aid to crack cocaine users

A programme in São Paulo is providing free showers, legal advice and social support to people struggling with crack cocaine addiction. The initiative operates in areas long associated with open drug use and seeks to restore dignity while connecting individuals with public services . By offering basic hygiene facilities and access to lawyers, organisers aim to rebuild trust between vulnerable populations and authorities. The scheme reflects a harm-reduction approach that prioritises social reintegration over punitive measures, amid ongoing debate in Brazil over how best to address chronic drug dependency and urban marginalisation.

Córdoba Governor Erasmo Zuleta said around 80 per cent of the department has been impacted, including 24 of its 30 municipalities. Local authorities reported that river overflows and prolonged flooding have damaged homes and rural infrastructure, with more than 33,000 families particularly affected following a series of cold fronts that hit the Caribbean region in late January. Residents described the floods as unavoidable despite efforts to reinforce riverbanks with sandbags and makeshift barriers.

Emergency agencies remain focused on protecting lives and providing shelter and food to displaced families, according to Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management. President Gustavo Petro said the scale of the disaster exceeds the state’s normal response capacity, citing 14 deaths, around 9,000 homes destroyed and more than 300,000 people affected nationwide as extreme weather continues to strain vulnerable communities.

Residents reported that water quickly overwhelmed their temporary shelters, washing away belongings and leaving families struggling to protect children and elderly relatives. Attempts to dig drainage channels in the sand were largely ineffective against the force of the storms.

Displaced parents described moving young children to safer locations while returning to flooded camps to recover what possessions they could. Many emphasised that tents provide little protection from harsh winter weather, calling for more durable solutions such as caravans.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General, highlighted the impact on social media , noting that harsh winter conditions are compounding more than two years of suffering. He warned that people are surviving in flimsy, waterlogged tents and amid ruins, with their living conditions deteriorating further.

Local media reported that the storms have been deadly, with at least 17 people killed, including four children. Humanitarian agencies have cautioned that without improved shelter and protection, further casualties are likely as the winter season continues.

Ghana’s defence and environment ministers die in military helicopter crash

Ghana’s Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed died in an August 6 crash of a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter travelling from Accra to Obuasi. Read more here .

Mission 300: The bold plan to bring power to half of Africa by 2030

Nearly 600 million Africans live without electricity—more than the populations of the U.S., Canada, and Brazil combined. The African Development Bank and the World Bank’s Mission 300 aims to connect 300 million people by 2030, linking half of unserved communities to the grid within five years. Read more here .

What should US deportees expect from Rwanda?

Rwanda will take in 250 immigrants deported from the US, becoming the third African nation after Eswatini and South Sudan to accept such arrivals. The country has struggled to secure similar migration deals. Read more here .

Latin America

Brazil's Bolsonaro arrested, adding to tensions with Trump

Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro under house arrest before his coup plot trial, citing violations of prior restraining orders and alleged attempts to involve U.S. President Donald Trump. Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued the order despite recent U.S. sanctions against him. Read more here .

Sarah Sanabria: Humour, activism, and journalism in the digital age

Bolivian journalist Sarah Sanabria, with degrees in communication, journalism, and audiovisual production, has built a following on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube by mixing humour with sharp political critique, carving out a unique space beyond traditional media. Read more here .

Oil find could bring $$$ for BP and $ for Brazil but what will it cost the planet?

BP has announced its largest oil and gas discovery since 1999, uncovering the Bumerangue field off Brazil. The find could boost its fossil fuel portfolio and mark a shift away from renewable energy investments. Read more here .

Hong Kong hit by heaviest August rainfall since 1884

On August 5, Hong Kong saw its fourth top-tier rainstorm warning in just over a week, with over 355 mm of rain—the highest August daily total since 1884—causing severe flooding and shutting hospitals, schools, and courts. Read more here .

Indonesia warns ban of ‘One Piece’ flag, seen as symbol of protest vs President Prabowo

Indonesia is restricting public displays of the One Piece “Jolly Roger” flag, which has become a symbol of dissent against President Prabowo Subianto. Authorities warn it must not be flown alongside the national flag. Read more here .

Inside India’s temple ritual, where priests smash coconuts on worshippers’ heads for blessings

For generations, thousands have travelled to Mahanadapuram Temple from across southern India to fulfil vows and seek blessings. Locals say the tradition, often tied to personal milestones, deepens their connection to the deity. Read more here .