Floods in RS: the aerial effort

For almost a week now, Rio Grande do Sul has been experiencing the worst tragedy in its history. Less than nine months after facing floods that devastated entire cities in the interior, the state of Rio Grande do Sul is now experiencing much larger, faster and more violent floods. This time, the water damage began in previously devastated regions (which were still recovering from the last disasters) and now also affects the capital Porto Alegre and the Metropolitan Region. 

Social networks, which are normally full of records of the beauty and culture of Rio Grande, were taken over by a tsunami of horrible images. At the same time, photos and videos of the extensive aerial effort in of the Gauchos also went viral. Adults, babies, elderly people, animals. All taken from the roofs of houses – the last stronghold of survival – by rotating wings, whether from public security agencies or armed forces aircraft.

The first aerial response came, logically, through the RS Government itself, specifically the Military Brigade Aviation Battalion (BAv BM), the Civil Police Air Operations Division (DOA/PCRS) and the Military Fire Brigade Air Operations Company (COAr/CBMRS). The Gaucho Koalas and Squirrels were soon reinforced by a pair of H-60 Black Hawk helicopters of the Panther Squad Brazilian Air Force (FAB). 

It didn't take long for more states and the Federal Government to send more aircraft to Rio Grande do Sul. In parallel, several businessmen also came together. The current situation: air traffic in Rio Grande do Sul is taken over by helicopters.

According to the Ministry of Defense, 32 helicopters are engaged in various missions. Search and rescue, aeromedical evacuations, troop transport and supply logistics, carrying medicine, food, water and even generators. As of 11 am on Sunday (05), it is estimated that more than 25 thousand people had been rescued by air, land and river.

The water that filled the basins of rivers like Taquari, Caí, Jacuí and Sinos “went down” to Guaíba, which bathes the capital and adjacent cities. The flood was quick and devastated municipalities such as Guaíba, Eldorado do Sul and Canoas, in addition to causing flooding in parts of Porto Alegre, forcing the evacuation of residents. 

Now, flights are concentrated in the Guaíba region. The coming and going of rotors is intense. It starts early, with the first dawn of light, and diminishes at night. Only some military helicopters can fly without southern light, with crews using night vision goggles.

Men and women, wearing olive green jumpsuits, black or camouflage tactical clothing and waterproof suits. Civilians and military personnel man machines that many have never seen up close. Right now, they need to get very close so the victims can board. Rescue only arrives by boat or helicopter, since streets and avenues only exist under deep brown water, which hides the houses, many of which only the roofs can be seen. Rooftops where people wait for aircraft, boats, boats… 

With the closure of Salgado Filho International Airport, aircraft land and take off mainly from the Canoas Air Base and the 3rd Guard Cavalry Regiment field, the latter in the East Zone of Porto Alegre. In the routine of recent days, the sound of rotors beating is constant. It gets to the point where we can easily identify which aircraft is approaching, just by the noise. 

Jaguars, Panthers and Fennecs. Black Hawks, Squirrels, Koalas. Eagles, Falcons, Guapos. Rescue, Army, SAR. It doesn't matter the model, nor license plates and coats of arms, even less paintings and calling codes. Whether green, white, gray, red or black. In the skies of Rio Grande do Sul, the rotors of life's hope turn. For everyone, the bow is the same: save.