Faced with extreme weather conditions and storms that affect the state of Rio de Janeiro, the Navy activated the Marine Corps’ Environmental Disaster Immediate Response Force (FRIDA) for the first time. The operation was used to support Norte Fluminense after heavy rains.
Frida was created last December in partnership with the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES). The objective is to work in coordination with Civil Defense to reduce the impacts caused by extreme events.
Frida worked, last Saturday (7), in the municipalities of Cantagalo and Porciúncula offering humanitarian support, with an emphasis on removing debris and restoring public roads, reestablishing access and direct support to isolated communities.
In Porciúncula, according to the city hall, 1,090 residents were directly impacted by the storm on Saturday.
In addition to reinforcing the Navy, the city hall says that municipal teams are working on emergency cleaning actions, infrastructure recovery and support for affected families. The State Government announced the sending of machinery to support operations and the analysis of measures aimed at assisting people directly affected by the floods.
Cantagalo has been in an emergency situation since the 6th, due to the damage caused by heavy rains, especially in the districts of Euclidelândia and Boa Sorte.
The city hall reported that it continues to act in an integrated manner, with support from the State Government, prioritizing the safety of the population and assistance to those affected.
One of the affected routes in the municipality was RJ-152. Also on the 6th, the city hall informed that a detour was made on the route, allowing the flow only for light vehicles.
Frida’s performance
According to the Navy, a group of 120 soldiers arrived in Norte Fluminense, six hours and 30 minutes after the call, on Saturday.
Initially, according to the Navy, 24 specialized vehicles, tractors and backhoes were used, in addition to advanced technological resources, such as drones capable of operating under adverse weather conditions in aerial observation of affected regions.
The troops will be temporarily housed at the Elestar Caetano Mendes Municipal School, in the Euclidelândia region, as informed by the Navy.
Weather forecast
Practically the entire state of Rio de Janeiro is in a danger area, according to the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet).
The forecast, until the end of this Tuesday (10), is heavy rainwith a volume between 30 and 60 millimeters per hour (mm/h) or 50 and 100 mm/day and intense winds of 60 to 100 kilometers per hour (km/h), with a risk of electricity cuts, falling tree branches, flooding and electrical discharges.
The institute’s guidance is, in case of gusts of wind, not to take shelter under trees, as there is a risk of falling and electrical discharges and not to park vehicles near transmission towers and advertising signs.
If possible, turn off electrical appliances and the general power supply. Pay attention to official information and, if necessary, call Civil Defense (telephone 199) and the Fire Department (telephone 193).
*Ana Cristina Campos collaborated
