Emergency Workers Rescue Horse Trapped on Rooftop During Brazil Flooding
Animal dubbed ‘Caramelo’ found stranded on slippery asbestos after severe floods hit Porto Alegre
Agencies in Porto Alegre
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 23:02 CEST
Emergency workers in southern Brazil successfully rescued a horse that had been trapped on a rooftop for days following severe floods, contributing to the growing death toll. The horse, affectionately named Caramelo on social media, managed to balance on two narrow strips of slippery asbestos in the city of Canoas, which has been heavily affected by the flooding. The state’s death toll from the floods has now risen to 107 people.
The rescue operation, which provided a glimmer of hope in a troubled region, involved firefighters, soldiers, and other volunteers who courageously braved the hazardous conditions. The stranded horse, weighing an incredible 770 pounds, was eventually sedated, immobilized, and transferred onto an inflatable raft, making for an extraordinary and heartwarming sight.
Despite this inspiring act, the situation remains grim for the region, as 136 people are still missing and over 165,000 individuals have been displaced from their flooded homes. Weather forecasts for the coming days predict more rainfall, raising concerns that water levels will continue to rise in the isolated state capital of Porto Alegre and nearby cities, which have effectively turned into waterways.
Governor Eduardo Leite has estimated that the state of Rio Grande do Sul will require a minimum of 19 billion reais ($3.68 billion) to rebuild and recover from the extensive damage caused by the floods. Whole infrastructures, including bridges, have been destroyed, impeding access to vital resources. The effects have already triggered major shortages, emptying supermarket shelves and even leading to incidents of looting.
Rescue workers have not only been focused on human survival; they have saved thousands of animals, including the brave efforts to rescue stranded pets. Animal protection groups and volunteers have been sharing touching scenes of pets reuniting with their owners on social media, offering glimmers of joy and comfort amidst the devastation.
However, the overall impact of the floods and the scale of this tragedy cannot be understated. The images of the crying man embracing his four dogs after they were saved haunt our collective consciousness, illustrating the unbearable weight of loss and hardship.
The road to recovery remains long and challenging. In the midst of this disaster, we are reminded of the strength and resilience of communities as they come together to support and assist one another. Together, we can help rebuild lives and restore hope.
