Federal Government expedites international aid delivery for Rio Grande do Sul

The Brazilian Cooperation Agency (Agência Brasileira de Cooperação - ABC), of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministério das Relações Exteriores - MRE), is overseeing and expediting the delivery of donations from international humanitarian organizations and governments for the victims of unprecedented floods in Rio Grande do Sul. On Sunday, May 12, the city of Canoas (RS) received the first delivery of donations sent by US NGO Samaritan's Purse, consisting of 10 water purification stations capable of cleaning 400,000 liters an hour, with accompanying materials and components, as well as other emergency supplies.

This equipment will provide drinking water for up to 100,000 people. The operation coordinated by ABC/MRE has support from the Ministry of Defense, Civil Defense, the Federal Revenue Service and the Federal Police.

The first of two cargo planes with the NGO’s donations landed at Canoas Air Base, where the shipment was unloaded early on Sunday afternoon and prepared for distribution in coordination with Civil Defense. The second aircraft is scheduled to arrive at the base Monday afternoon (13).

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Agência Brasileira de Cooperação (@abcgovbr)

The first part of the donation made by the US NGO @samaritanspurse, consisting of 10 water purification units with a capacity of 400,000 liters/hour, their materials and components, and various other emergency goods, was delivered to the Canoas Air Base (RS). The equipment will provide drinking water for up to 100,000 people. In the early afternoon of May 12, the first of two transport aircraft belonging to the NGO landed at the base, where the cargo was unloaded and prepared for distribution in coordination with civil defense. The second aircraft is scheduled to arrive at the base on the afternoon of 13/05. The operation was supported by @abcgovbr, @itamaratygovbr, @mindefesa, @defesacivilbra, @receita_federal, @policiafederal. @governodobrasil @secomvc @canalgov @governo_rs @prefcanoas

OTHER ASSISTANCE – Japan donated emergency shelters, mattresses, blankets, jerry cans, tarpaulins and water purifiers, which were delivered to the Joint Operational Command. ABC/MRE is in contact with the Japanese Embassy to expedite donations through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). ABC/MRE is also in talks with government agencies from Italy and other countries to fast-track donations for Rio Grande do Sul.

The British Government provided health and emergency items through the British Chamber of Commerce and the British Council. The UK has also expressed an interest in engaging with Itamaraty in future discussions about comprehensive risk and disaster management.

In addition, Paraguay's Pro Tempore President of the Mercosul Risk and Disaster Management Ministers and High Authorities Meeting is coordinating with the National Secretary for Protection and Civil Defense at the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development.

The Mercosul working groups on hydro-meteorological services and early warnings have been active since May 5 to foster direct interaction between experts of the member countries to address the consequences of the floods in Argentina and Uruguay.