Government of Rio sends Fire Department task force to Rio Grande do Sul

The government of Rio de Janeiro sent a task force to Rio Grande do Sul this Friday (3) to help search for the missing after the heavy rains that hit the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

A first team from the Military Fire Department arrived in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul during the early hours of the morning. It is made up of 2 pilots and 10 crew members. The soldiers traveled aboard the AW169 helicopter, a twin-engine helicopter from the corporation capable of instrument operation, including at night, and which will be involved in rescue operations in the affected regions.

The Rio de Janeiro task force will have another 40 military firefighters, who will board a second aircraft from the corporation this Friday. The delegation includes experts in disaster rescue, work in collapsed structures and rescuing victims who are stranded in flood and flood scenarios.

Support for the operation was offered by governor Cláudio Castro to the governor of Rio Grande Sul, Eduardo Leite, who accepted the logistical help and expertise of the Rio Grande do Sul corporation.

“We are ready to collaborate with whatever is necessary to alleviate the difficult situation that the people of Rio Grande do Sul are going through. We believe that the experience gained by our firefighters and agents in major disaster events such as the tragedies of the Brumadinho mining dam collapse in 2019; Bahia in 2021; and Petrópolis in 2022, can make a difference. I want to express my solidarity with the people of Rio Grande do Sul”, highlighted the governor.

For the Secretary of State for Civil Defense and general commander of CBMERJ, Colonel Leandro Monteiro, help at this time when people need immediate help is essential.

“Our firefighters, equipment and materials sent will help intensify work in regions affected by the storms. First comes help and then actions to return to normality as soon as possible”, stated the commander.