Operation Taquari takes donations from campaigns to affected regions
Air Force Agency – BACO, by Lieutenant Maiara
Members of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) transported donations to the Civil Defense of Canoas, with the aim of sending them to the victims of the floods in Rio Grande do Sul (RS). In the context of Operation Taquari, the transport took place on September 12, following collection from campaigns to meet the needs of the affected regions.
On September 15 and 16, the Canoas Security and Defense Group (GSD-CO) made its vehicles and military personnel available to support Civil Defense in missions to deliver supplies to the city of Lajeado (RS) and in the distribution and delivery of more than one and a half tons of food and 1,500 hygiene and cleaning items to families in riverside communities affected by the heavy rains in the city of Canoas (RS).
“We, from the Canoas Air Base (BACO), together with the Civil Defense, helped deliver basic food baskets to several inhabitants of Canoas who are suffering from flooding. It’s always a great pleasure to be able to help the Brazilian population,” said the commander of the GSD-CO’s Third Air Police Platoon, Lieutenant Robson Lopes Junior, who coordinated the team of soldiers in the operation.
In addition to the GSD-CO, the Canoas Airspace Control Department (DTCEA-CO), the Second Squadron of the Seventh Aviation Group (2º/7º GAV) – Phoenix Squadron and the Fifth Air Transport Squadron (5° ETA) – Pegasus Squadron were also involved.
On Saturday (16/09), the mission began at the Civil Defense headquarters, where two trucks were loaded with kits for distribution to families affected by the flooding of the Rio dos Sinos, in Canoas (RS). The FAB was committed to contributing to the actions of Civil Defense and the Military Fire Brigade, which were involved in delivering donations to the communities of Paquetá Beach. The deliveries followed part of the route in trucks, and the rest of the way was made to the homes via boats.
“Civil Defense has provided guidance on the risks to the affected areas, but we are aware of people’s resistance to leaving their homes and we have tried to provide this support by delivering supplies and medical care. Civil Defense’s role in relation to Canoas City Hall is to provide social assistance, to give support as was done with the help of the Air Force, delivering food, hygiene and cleaning kits. We know how difficult it is for people to leave Prainha in order to go to a supermarket or move around in the midst of the floods. That’s why we’re doing this work,” said Igor Sousa, Deputy Secretary of Civil Defense for Canoas.
Operation Taquari has no end date and the FAB is committed to continuing the mission to help families going through the current difficulties. Local authorities have reinforced the warning of more rain in the region, and are continuing to monitor and follow up on the afflicted families.
“This is the role of Civil Defense and I would like to thank the Brazilian Air Force for helping us, taking donations to other affected cities and also contributing here in the city of Canoas,” added Secretary Igor Sousa.
Photos: Sergeant Rosana and Sergeant Luiz Fernando / BACO
