Rio firefighters have already rescued more than 40 people alive in RS

Rio de Janeiro firefighters have already rescued 42 people, all alivein Rio Grande do Sul. A corporate task force is supporting search and rescue efforts for victims of the storms that hit the southern region of the country, causing flooding, landslides and deaths.

The first CBMERJ response team arrived in the state in the early hours of this Friday (03), aboard a helicopter with capacity for up to 10 crew members, capable of operating using instruments, including at night. The aircraft is being used in the most affected regions of the state, helping people who were stranded by floods or injured by landslides.

The equipment was essential in the rescue of Loiva and Silton da Rosa, who had been trapped at home for days, in a completely flooded region. They were saved using an electric winch with a load capacity of up to 250 kilos.

“We went through a difficult time, we hadn’t heard from my parents since Tuesday, without knowing how they were doing. But, fortunately, everything worked out, thanks to the Rio Fire Department. Thank you. Even with the difficult weather, they had courage. They are heroes”, said Cleber da Rosa.

The Rio Fire Department helicopter was also the first to provide assistance to victims in Serra Gaúcha. 29 people were rescued by the militaryin the Bento Gonçalves region, after landslides closed the bridge under the Rio das Antas and caused at least five deaths.

Operational reinforcement

This Saturday (04), another 40 firefighters from Rio arrive in Rio Grande do Sul to reinforce the operation. The delegation includes health professionals, experts in disaster rescue, working in burials, landslides and floods, among others.

Support was offered by governor Cláudio Castro to the governor of Rio Grande Sul, Eduardo Leite, who accepted the logistical help and experience of the Rio Grande Sul corporation.

“The images of the tragedy that we see are very shocking. And it is our mission to help in this difficult time, because we have already been through this here in our state, in the Mountain Region, and we know how important the collaboration of teams with training and expertise in natural disasters is”, emphasized the governor.

For the Secretary of State for Civil Defense and general commander of CBMERJ, Colonel Leandro Monteiro, the help from other institutions represents a lot.

“National corporations help each other when events of this magnitude happen and the quick response makes a difference in the lives of many families. Therefore, we send trained firefighters and cutting-edge equipment to the devastating scenarios we are dealing with”, reinforced the commander.