The situation in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil is worsening after record floods killed more than 150 people, injured 800, and left 104 missing, according to Civil Defense’s reports. 70,000 people currently remain in shelters and are in desperate need of essential supplies.
International NGO and humanitarian organization, World Vision, and Embraer, one of the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers, is delivering 20 tons of food, water, and essential supplies to help the affected population.
The air cargo arrived at the city of Canoas, on 16 May, supplying food baskets, water, and hygiene items. Since the flooding began, the NGO has mobilized resources to provide 15,000 tenderness kits to over 200,000 children in the region.
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“Our tenderness kits allow children and adolescents to play and create a safe environment amid the chaos of this emergency,” explained Thiago Crucciti, National Director of World Vision Brazil.
The government of Rio Grande do Sul reported that 1,057 schools in 248 municipalities were affected by the floods, and 378,649 students are unable to attend school. Currently, 88 schools operate as shelters. Along with essential items, World Vision is prioritizing the delivery of “tenderness kits” to prevent psychological trauma caused by this unprecedented disaster. The kits include educational and recreational materials for children and adolescents, such as games, coloring books, crayons, play dough, and other materials.
World Vision is also actively operating child-friendly spaces to ensure children are being emotionally supported and are provided with physical protection in shelters.
“This is one of the greatest tragedies Brazil has ever seen. We will do everything within our reach to ensure that children and their families receive the urgent aid they desperately need,” concluded Crucciti.