Italy Extends Helping Hand to Rio Grande do Sul Flood Victims

Italy Extends Helping Hand to Rio Grande do Sul Flood Victims: In a heartwarming gesture of solidarity, the Italian government, under the leadership of Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, has dispatched a military plane loaded with essential humanitarian aid to assist the flood-stricken residents of Rio Grande do Sul. This benevolent initiative, spearheaded by the Directorate General for Cooperation and Development of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (Maeci) in collaboration with the World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations, aims to provide much-needed relief to those grappling with the aftermath of the devastating floods.

The military aircraft, a B-767, took off from the United Nations Humanitarian Emergency Base in Brindisi and is anticipated to touch down at the Canoas air base today at 5 pm (Brasilia time). On board are vital supplies tailored to the specific requirements outlined by the Brazilian authorities, encompassing specialized equipment for emergency situations, medical provisions to cater to the treatment needs of approximately 100 thousand individuals over a three-month period, tents to accommodate 4,500 people, 5 generators generating 60 kva/h each, 2 purifiers capable of producing 64,000 liters of potable water daily, and 4 storage tanks with a capacity of 10,000 liters each for the safekeeping of drinking water, amounting to a total of 30 tons of relief goods.

The official handover of the Italian humanitarian aid will be overseen by the Italian ambassador to Brazil, Alessandro Cortese, in the company of the Italian consul general in Porto Alegre, Valerio Caruso. Ambassador Cortese has already landed in Rio Grande do Sul and is slated to embark on a journey to Bento Gonçalves, where he will engage in discussions with Mayor Diogo Segabinazzi Siqueira, convene with local authorities, members of the Center for Industry, Commerce and Services (CIC) of Bento Gonçalves, as well as stakeholders from the Italian community, including Cristina Mioranza, the President of the Comites del Rio Grande do Sul.

Subsequently, Ambassador Cortese will proceed to Canoas to witness the arrival of the Italian plane. This humanitarian mission across the affected regions is not just a charitable act but also a poignant demonstration of Italy’s deep-rooted historical and emotional ties with Rio Grande do Sul. Currently, the state is home to 120 thousand Italian citizens, and it is estimated that around 4.5 million individuals of Italian descent reside in the region, constituting 40% of the total population.

The visit of Ambassador Cortese to the flood-impacted cities is a poignant symbol of solidarity and empathy with the people of Rio Grande do Sul, aiming to assess the scale of devastation and identify the reconstruction needs of a territory that holds profound significance for Italy. It is through such acts of kindness and compassion that the international community reaffirms its commitment to stand united in times of crisis, offering hope and tangible support to those in distress.