By Jussara Santos
Brasília (DF), 1/5/2024 – Under the coordination of the Ministry of Defense, the Navy, Army and Air Force are deploying 626 military personnel to support the population of Rio Grande do Sul affected by the heavy rains. The work of the Armed Forces, through Operation Taquari II, began on Tuesday, April 30, and includes 12 vessels, 5 helicopters, 45 vehicles and engineering equipment to transport material and personnel. The actions take place in support of Civil Defense and the Fire Department. The figures were updated at 10.36am on Thursday (2).
Activities include rescuing stranded people, distributing water, food and donations, and helping to restore damaged infrastructure. The military are also setting up tents to screen the homeless and providing mattresses. So far, seven people have been rescued who were marooned. The military’s work covers the following municipalities: Alegrete, Bento Gonçalves, Candelária, Eldorado do Sul, Encantado, General Câmara, Jaguarão, Lajeado, Montenegro, Muçum, Nova Palma, Nova Santa Rita, Porto Alegre, Rosário do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Tereza, São Gabriel, São Sebastião do Caí and Sinimbu.
In addition to the Armed Forces, other government agencies, such as the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development, Ministry of Justice and Public Security, National and State Civil Defense, are involved in the operations to assist the population affected by the rains.
Joint Command – On Wednesday, May 1, the Ministry of Defense published Ordinance No. 2309/GM-MD, which regulates the temporary use of the Armed Forces in logistical support activities for civil protection and defense actions. The document promotes the activation of the Taquari II Joint Operational Command to act in municipalities in a situation of public calamity. The ministry also appointed Army General Hertz Pires do Nascimento as commander of the joint command.
Operation Taquari – The first phase of Operation Taquari took place in 2023, in Rio Grande do Sul, in response to heavy rains in the region. Military personnel from the Armed Forces were mobilized to assist the affected municipalities. Activities included search and rescue, distribution of supplies and reconstruction. The previous experience of Taquari I supported Taquari II, demonstrating the Armed Forces’ ability to respond to emergency situations.
Photos: Disclosure Armed Forces *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***