Torrential rainfall led to severe flooding in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. More than two million people have been affected by the flood disaster in the south of Brazil. Entire cities had to be evacuated. Several roads and bridges were destroyed and the airport in Porto Alegre was also submerged in water. The extent of the destruction is comparable to that of Hurricane Katrina.

So far, more than 150 people have lost their lives and around 100 others are still missing. Emergency services from all Brazilian states are on site to participate in the search and rescue operations together with the military. Among the helpers are ten search and rescue dog teams from our member organisation Corpo de Bombeiros Militar de Santa Catarina (CBMSC). The canines are tirelessly searching for survivors under the rubble of buildings damaged by mud and water. And there is no end in sight to the disaster operation.

Our dogs are showing their infinite value at this moment by locating buried victims and providing a caring shoulder to the people in the shelters.

Captain Tiago Domingos, CBMSC Officer

Extreme weather events such as flash floods or tornadoes are increasing dramatically worldwide. Search and rescue dogs are often the last hope for the victims of such natural disasters. Donate now and help us save lives.