The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has mobilized aid to respond to the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The country declared a state of emergency on May 2. ADRA deployed a needs assessment team to evaluate the developing situation and identify gaps in humanitarian assistance to coordinate a comprehensive strategy for urgent aid to thousands of beneficiaries.

The extreme weather, which began with torrential rains in April, affected about 2.3 million people in Brazil, displacing hundreds of thousands, many of whom were relocated to temporary shelters. To date, 151 people have died in the disaster, while over 104 more are still missing.

The situation in Rio Grande do Sul is critical. The needs on the ground continue to escalate. ADRA’s country office in Brazil works closely with local government officials, Adventist Church volunteers, and partner organizations to coordinate emergency operations and manage four shelters. We’ve established many emergency projects to help vulnerable groups, particularly families with young children. That is why we are delivering diapers, toys, food, basic hygiene necessities, multipurpose cash vouchers, mattresses, and even turning workplaces into temporary shelters for hundreds of displaced families in many municipalities. Please keep them in your prayers,” says Walter Alves, ADRA International’s Emergency Response program manager. “We are so grateful for the donations that allow us to continue supporting these communities.

Mobilized Response

ADRA Brazil deployed its Mobile Unit, equipped to provide emergency aid in the wake of disasters within days of the crisis. Since it began operating throughout the region several weeks ago, the truck has been supported by over 200 volunteers working different shifts and in various locations, assisting devastated villages by providing services twice daily. To date, relief assistance has included the following:

• Laundry services: over 14,000 kilos of laundry were washed to ensure affected families had clean clothing.

• Meal distribution: More than 8,600 cooked meals and 4,400 food baskets were distributed to ensure nourishment and sustainable food support to those in need.

• Water Supply: over 4,000 liters of water delivered to address a critical need for clean drinking water.

• Hygiene and Washing Kits: over 6,100 hygiene and washing kits were supplied to encourage personal hygiene and sanitation practices among the impacted people.

• Clothing and Shoes: Over 27,000 pieces of clothing and shoes were delivered to those who lost their belongings in the disaster.

• Bed linen and Mattresses: more than 7400 bedsheets, blankets, and mattresses were supplied to displaced families.

The mobile unit also serves as a collection point for in-kind donations, such as clothing, water, and personal hygiene products. Additionally, ADRA offers psychosocial care and partnered with UNICEF to provide ten safe spaces for children and youth and monitor needs in 160 shelters.

ADRA Brazil is developing plans for reconstruction efforts to increase aid, reach more affected regions, and assist communities in restoring their lives and rebuilding their homes. For more than 40 years, ADRA Brazil has provided life-changing aid and development programs to communities across the country.

The original article was published by ADRA International.