07/05/2024 – 20:33
Another hundred men from the National Force will reinforce policing in Rio Grande do Sul, a state hit by floods that have already killed 95 people and caused unprecedented destruction. Another 120 were already working in the State since last week, also to assist the state Military Brigade in policing.
According to the governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite (PSDB), another 300 agents from the National Force will be sent in the coming days – this has not been confirmed by the Ministry of Justice. Leite will also call on 1,000 reserve police officers to act in this special situation. Since the beginning of the floods, looting has been taking place in establishments closed due to flooding and theft of supplies intended for the homeless.
As Estadão showed, residents of Canoas, in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, claim that there have been thefts of boats used in emergencies to rescue homeless people to loot flooded homes. Canoas is among those most affected by the floods, the biggest climate disaster in the history of Rio Grande do Sul. In the capital Porto Alegre, the Arena do Grêmio, which has sheltered residents who had to leave their homes, was also robbed.
“I received information that our request for the National Force to reinforce policing was met. Starting tomorrow, this important support will begin arriving, initially with 100 men and then with another 300. Thank you to @mjspgov (Ministry of Justice and Public Security) and to all the States that are sending troops at this time”, he posted Leite no X (former Twitter) at 12:23 pm this Tuesday, 7th.
In a statement, the Ministry of Justice only confirmed the sending of one hundred agents, and stated that the reinforcement will begin this Tuesday. “The Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, authorized the sending of another 100 agents from the National Force to work focused on the security of the population. With the new announcement, the corporation’s contingent will reach 220 in the coming days. Considering the presence of the Federal Police (PF) and Federal Highway Police (PRF) in the State, the Ministry of Justice has 944 employees working in Rio Grande do Sul”, says the note.
The ministry says that Lewandowski’s decision was taken after a report from the Minister of the Communication Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, Paulo Pimenta, who is monitoring rescue and shelter actions for those affected by the floods. “Subsequently, Governor Eduardo Leite formalized the request to send the new National Force personnel”, completes the note.
According to the ministry, federal corporations operate with four helicopters, 19 rescue boats and ten jet skis. 108 vehicles, 90 special trucks, six trailer vehicles, two trucks, two buses and a supply tanker are also being used. The note, updated at 5:51 pm this Tuesday, states that so far 1,555 people and 36 animals had been rescued.
Several regions of Rio Grande do Sul still have islands, roads and bridges destroyed and residents waiting for rescue. There are hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity and water.
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