Minas Gerais Agency | Government of Minas sends two more aircraft to assist in helping victims of the tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul

The Government of Minas, through the Governor’s Military Office (GMG), reinforces support for search and rescue actions for victims of floods caused by the recent rains that hit Rio Grande do Sul (RS). Governor Romeu Zema announced, this Sunday (5/5), the sending of two more aircraft to the state of Rio Grande do Sul, including a helicopter, with night overflight capability.

“We miners are joining forces to help Rio Grande do Sul at this difficult time, especially those areas affected by the floods. We are sending two more aircraft, such as a helicopter with night vision, which will work during the night to rescue people who are in isolated areas”, said the governor, who accompanied the teams’ embarkation, at Pampulha Airport, in BH.

Another important help from the Government of Minas Gerais, through the Minas Gerais Sanitation Company (Copasa), is the sending of a team made up of 18 technicians to assist in resuming the operation of water treatment plants.

Teams from the Minas Gerais Military Fire Department (CBMMG) have been in Rio Grande do Sul since last Thursday (2/5). In total, 28 military personnel participate in the actions, the largest support team for special missions outside the state. They work in rescue operations in regions hit by strong storms, with cities completely flooded, rivers overflowing and dozens of deaths already recorded, in addition to the large number of homeless and displaced people.

Fundraising campaign

The Autonomous Social Service (Servas) – and the Civil Defense of Minas Gerais launched this Sunday (5/5) a campaign to collect donations for communities affected by the tragedy, in Rio Grande do Sul.

Mineral water, blankets, cleaning and personal hygiene products are some of the essential items being requested to help affected families. In addition to these items, cash contributions can also be made to the Servas Emergency Protection Program, through PIX key: [email protected].

To facilitate the collaboration of those who wish to help, a collection point will be the Servas headquarters: Avenida Cristóvão Colombo, 683, in the Negócios neighborhood, in Belo Horizonte. The location is available to receive donations from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm.

• Support from Minas to Rio Grande do Sul

Military Police of Minas Gerais (PMMG)

– Two helicopters to carry out rescue operations, one of which has night vision.

Military Fire Department of Minas Gerais (CBMMG)

– 28 military firefighters specialized in search and rescue in floods, floods and major disasters;

– Three rescue vehicles;

– A truck that transports various materials and logistical equipment;

– A vehicle suitable for driving two search dogs.

State Department of Health (SES-MG)

– A Cesna Caravan plane, with capacity to transport up to nine passengers. The aircraft can also carry equipment and transport injured people over greater distances;

– An Esquilo helicopter, operated in partnership with CBMMG, capable of carrying out rescues and transporting injured people.

State Civil Defense Coordination (Cedec-MG)

– Four agents from the Civil Defense of Minas Gerais;

– 370 mattresses.

Minas Gerais Sanitation Company (Copasa)

– 20 Copasa technicians are heading to Rio Grande do Sul to assist in resuming the operation of water treatment plants, maintaining electrical panels and motor pumps, etc. The team includes experts to help with water treatment and quality.