FAB rescues 244 people affected by storms in Santa Maria, RS

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) rescued 244 victims of the storms that hit Rio Grande do Sul , until 12pm this Friday (3). The rescues take place in the region of the city of Santa Maria, through Operation Taquari II, coordinated by the Aerospace Operations Command (Comae).

The rescues are carried out by H-60L Black Hawk helicopters, from the Pantera Squadron, from the Santa Maria Air Base (BASM). The Air Force also carries out actions at night, when there are weather conditions, using night vision goggles (NVG).

With the equipment it is possible to support operations in different scenarios, increasing flight safety and increasing the chance of rescue in cases where the crew is without visual references for the human eye.

In addition to the victims, six animals were also rescued and four injured or sick people were treated – the so-called aeromedical evacuation (EVAM).

This Friday (3), the Ministry of Defense announced the increase in the number of military personnel assigned to provide support in incidents in Rio Grande do Sul. Operating in 25 municipalities, the Armed Forces expanded to 936 military personnel, nine aircraft, 98 vessels and 70 vehicles involved in the actions.

To care for victims resulting from the floods, a Field Hospital was made available and arrived in the city of Canoas on Thursday (2). The hospital unit will be installed in Lajeado, one of the regions most affected by the rains. The hospital has an infirmary, 40 beds, 2 offices for care and 1 for triage.

According to a bulletin released by the government of Rio Grande do Sul in the early afternoon of Friday 3rd), 37 people died, 74 were injured and another 74 were missing as a result of the rains. In total, 235 municipalities were affected by the storms, with 23,598 people displaced and 7,949 in shelters.