Civil defense asks civilians not to fly drones in Rio Grande do Sul

The Civil Defense of the State of Rio Grande do Sul asked citizens of the state not to fly drones in municipalities affected by heavy rains since Monday (29) to capture aerial images of flooded regions, as this could compromise the area safety of aircraft that have been providing assistance to people affected by the floods.

In an audio distributed to journalists in a WhatsApp group, the head of Communication for the State Civil Defense, Lieutenant Sabrina Ribas, appeals to people not to hinder rescue operations. “[Pedimos] that people do not fly drones in the affected municipalities, because this is harming the issue of flight safety for the aircraft that are providing assistance.”

To avoid risk to people, the military has asked people who are safe not to leave their homes unnecessarily or to record the situation in video and photos, as this could also impede the circulation of official vehicles.

According to the Social Communication Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic (Secom/PR), the federal government made nine aircraft, 98 boats and boats and 81 vehicles available. The governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite, said that three state government aircraft are being used in the rescues and that the state is receiving help from helicopters from other units of the federation, such as São Paulo and Paraná.

“I have asked for every possible effort. Only a few aircraft are able to operate at night. And you have to meet the weather conditions to carry out the rescues. We are trying to take it to Serra Gaúcha, at the moment, where landslides have left injured people who need to be rescued. The firefighters arrive, provide nursing attention to welcome and care for those people, but we need to get those people out of there”, said the governor at a press conference.

Donations

Through social media, the lieutenant also informs that the State Civil Defense is receiving donations at the Logistics Center (Avenida Joaquim Porto Villanova, number 101, in Porto Alegre). And mattresses (new or in good condition) can be delivered; bedding; Swimsuit; blankets; potable water; animal food; closed food baskets. But, at this time, Lieutenant Sabrina Ribas clarifies that clothes and footwear are not being received; medicines, furniture and household items.

Those interested in contributing with ready-made meals (lunchboxes) must make prior contact with the Civil Defense of the municipality they intend to help to avoid. Companies, service groups and civil society organizations that wish to send donations must first contact the State Civil Defense on the phone (51) 3120-4255 to arrange the logistics for delivering the material.