The early hours of last Wednesday, the 1st, were not like any other for Pedro Correa de Goes, aged 64, and his wife, Delci Elisete Markmann, aged 59. The couple lost the house they lived in for 40 years, in Arroio do Meio (RS), due to the floods that have been plaguing Rio Grande do Sul since last week. The residence was submerged.
Find out more: “Rio Grande do Sul declares a state of emergency due to storms and floods”
On the same day, the couple had lunch with their son, Gean Mateus Markmann de Goes, their daughter-in-law and their granddaughters. The family was already on alert: On the first day of the month, the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) issued red warnings, which indicate “great danger” of intense rains and flooding in the region. However, they had no idea what would happen that same day.
“They cut the neighbor’s fence to try to escape the flood,” says son of couple who survived the tragedy in RS
The family was aware of the rising level of the Taquari River, however, they had no idea how high the river could rise. “We are on alert because some stretches of Arroio do Meio are interrupted”, says Gean Mateus to West. “But we had no idea how high the level could get.”
The boy returned home, which is on the other side of the city. However, as the hours passed, the water level rose. Gean’s parents tried to save the furniture when they noticed the elevation. They climbed to the highest part of the ground, carried what they could, but it wasn’t enough.
Read more: “Charge of Sheet about RS generates protests on social media”
The couple had to cut their back neighbor’s fence to survive. “All this in the dark, raining, in the middle of the mud and without being able to ask for help, because everyone around was trying to take refuge”, explained Gean.
With no electricity, no internet and no phone signal, they did their best to save some clothes, three dogs and the bird. The elderly found shelter.
“We are celebrating that we are alive and that is what matters most”, explained Gean Mateus. “Many people were not that lucky. The number of missing people is enormous and they will probably not be found.”
Gean Mateus’s new routine is to try to communicate, because the intense rains damaged internet signals. Furthermore, his family tries to use as little fuel, water, among other resources, to help his parents, Pedro Correia and Delci Elisete.
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