Brasília (DF) – After more than a month of operations in the municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul affected by torrential rain, the Armed Forces have extended their operations to the states of Santa Catarina and Paraná. In these two states, “Operation Taquari” (Taquari – name of a valley where a river of the same name crosses, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul) has been transformed into “Operation Ânimo Forte”(strong spirit) since October 7.
The Navy, Army and Air Force have already deployed their resources in 60 municipalities in the three southern states, where heavy rains have left thousands homeless. The military’s actions are being coordinated directly from the Operations Coordination Center in Porto Alegre (RS), the headquarters of the Operation’s Joint Command.
In Rio Grande do Sul, efforts are concentrated on the logistics of the donation depots, sorting the material received and organizing distribution. In the other regions of the state, the military will extend a helping hand to the population at the Civil Defense’s request, such as distributing roof tiles in areas hit by hail; distributing donations and medicines; and transporting families in flooded areas.
In Santa Catarina and Paraná, in addition to transporting materials and clearing roads, the troops are reconnoitering risk areas, transporting residents, providing guidance to the population and providing medical assistance.
Since the start of the Joint Operation on September 5, the troops have carried out searches and rescues of victims; aeromedical evacuations; transportation of teams and homeless people; transportation of roof tiles and other materials; sorting and delivery of donated clothing and food; distribution of drinking water; supplying food to firefighting teams in the field and to the civilian population; setting up tents; cleaning and clearing roads; damage control; medical support; and installation of internet communication systems.
