The Brazilian Government prioritizes aid to the population affected by heavy rains in Southern Brazil

In response to the severe rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva prioritized rescuing victims and preventing further loss of life. He made two trips to the state, aiming to assess the heavy rains' impacts and collaborate with the governor and mayors on essential measures to aid the affected population.

According to the State Government's latest bulletin issued this Tuesday, May 7, the number of municipalities affected by the heavy rains has risen to 397, impacting 1,408,993 people. The state reports 156,056 displaced individuals, with 48,297 in shelter, amid 90 fatalities, 362 individuals injured, and 131 reported missing.

The Federal Government led a comprehensive mobilization effort, coordinating with ministries, the Armed Forces, and Civil Defense, in collaboration with state and municipal authorities. On the humanitarian front, President Lula conveyed a message of support, assuring affected families that they are not alone in facing their challenges. In addressing environmental concerns, emphasis was placed on the need for Brazil to better prepare for climate change and extreme weather events.

“There will be no shortage of assistance from the Federal Government to address healthcare needs. Adequate funding will be allocated for transportation and for ensuring access to food. The Federal Government, whether through its ministers, collaborating with civil society, or with the aid of our military, is committed to working around the clock to meet the basic needs of those who are isolated," assured the president at the outset of May.

In the ongoing Operation Taquari 2, coordinated by the Armed Forces, more than 46,000 individuals have been rescued with the efforts of over 15,000 military personnel, police officers, and agents. The operation's logistics utilize 42 aircraft, 243 vessels, and 2,500 vehicles and engineering equipment. However, logistical efforts face challenges due to 158 roadblocks across the state. The Armed Forces are also actively engaged in transporting kerosene by sea and river to refuel aircraft and vessels.

SITUATION ROOM - The Brazilian government has set up a situation room at the Planalto Palace to centralize information and coordinate initiatives aimed at assisting families affected by the heavy rains in Rio Grande do Sul. Saving lives and rescuing people are currently the top priorities of federal, state, and municipal actions.

Minister Paulo Pimenta, of the Social Communication Secretariat (SECOM) within the Presidency of the Republic, has been overseeing the task force operations in the Southern state since last week. "Our primary focus at this time is on rescue activities," he stated. The Minister further noted that this directive aligns with the President's mandate, ensuring “that resources and personnel remain abundantly available.”

During her visit to Rio Grande do Sul last week, Minister of the Environment Marina Silva proposed the implementation of a “permanent state of climate emergency”. This initiative aims to empower at-risk municipalities — those frequently exposed to extreme weather events — to take proactive measures in preventing tragedies and assisting affected populations. Such efforts would be conducted in close collaboration with federal and state governments. Minister Silva referenced President Lula's directive at the inception of the current mandate, emphasizing the dual focus on disaster management and prevention.

HUMANITARIAN AID — In response to the meteorological catastrophe, Pimenta emphasized the mobilization of equipment, personnel, and emergency resources to mitigate the devastating impacts of the rains. To optimize the logistics of the humanitarian effort, each Brazilian state is consolidating local donations for those affected in Rio Grande do Sul. This coordination will be managed by the Secretariat of Institutional Affairs, with support from the Social Communication Secretariat (SECOM) and the Chief of Staff's Office.

The proposal recommends consolidating donations at Fire Department units within each state. After the donations are sorted at the state level, they will be transported to the Galeão Air Base (in Rio de Janeiro) and Guarulhos Air Base (in São Paulo).

For comprehensive information on federal relief and assistance efforts for families affected by the disaster in Rio Grande do Sul, including continuous updates, please visit the dedicated page on the SECOM website at the following link https://www.gov.br/secom/pt-br/assuntos/acao-federal-no-rs