In times of disaster, first responders are the unsung heroes who courageously put their lives on the line to save others. The recent Espírito Santo floods (Brazil) shed light on the unwavering dedication of the Military Police, despite facing personal losses, they kept going above and beyond to actively engage in rescuing efforts. The collaborative response from diverse agencies and the community underscores the significance of unity and swift action in mitigating the impact of such calamities. This shared collective effort transcends borders, showcasing the universal spirit of solidarity when facing adversity.
Solidarity In The Face of Disaster
We live in a world where life-threatening disasters are becoming more frequent. Heat waves and wildfires, floods and coastal storm surges from cyclones, earthquakes, pandemics, and other catastrophes threaten our communities, homes, public infrastructure and private property.
Preparing for such events is crucial. When disaster does strike it is first responders - our defence force personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics, emergency telecommunicators, and utility workers who are trained to take action to save lives and mitigate damage. These individuals have an incredible devotion to their communities and are ready to take action 24/7.
Search and rescue forces running to a destroyed building.
The March 2024 Espírito Santo Floods
Southeast Brazil was recently subject to disaster in late March. In the south of Espírito Santo state there was extremely heavy rain, with more than 300mm recorded over just 24 hours in places.1 In 13 of the state’s municipalities, the amount of rain in one day exceeded the normal rainfall for a month. Flooding resulted in numerous deaths as well as landslides, road closures and widespread homelessness, with the federal government declaring a State of Emergency in these municipalities. 2
The municipality of Mimoso do Sul was particularly hard hit, with the Muqui do Sul River bursting its banks and flooding the town. The State Governor described the situation as chaotic, with buildings and vehicles washed away and the entire town without essential services such as electricity, gas and water.3 There were 18 deaths in Mimoso do Sul attributed to the disaster. Overall, the flooding made more than 500 people homeless and displaced more than 15,000. 4
Flood in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Military Police Among Those Impacted
In Mimoso do Sul very few people were untouched. Major Cavati of 15th Independent Military Police Company reported losing 17 vehicles, 19 computers and numerous other property. The company’s base could no longer be used and many officers had personal losses to deal with. 5
The police company had taken precautions, moving vehicles to a school yard which had never before flooded. This time it did. The flood waters even carried off a fire truck sent to the region to help in the rescue effort. 1
The Military Police of Espírito Santo are customers of Tait Communications, with Tait mobile radio equipment in their vehicles. In the picture you can see Tait radios used by the police and other equipment covered in mud from the flood.
Photograph of Military Police radiocommunications equipment following the floods in Espírito Santo
Below is a video of one of the vehicles' control heads sodden with water - which gives a clear indication of the intensity of the flood waters. Despite being subject to such an immense amount of water, the rugged control head was still able to work afterwards.
Video of Tait mobile control head filled with water after the flood, and working at a testing station
Banding Together For Espírito Santo | The Significance of the Military Police
The sudden disaster that overwhelmed Espírito Santo was confronted by an array of first-responder agencies (federal and state, volunteer and private) and the community, with rapid, coordinated action to aid the affected areas, save lives, reduce risk and minimize damage. Senator Fabiano Contarato commented on the collaborative efforts between the state and federal government in this time of crisis as translated:
“We know how to measure the value of a human life; it is priceless. Hence the importance of joining forces, regardless of party identity. I think this is a fundamental issue for me, that the bench has this serenity, sobriety and balance, together with the state government and the Federal Government, through an interdisciplinary nature, to try to mitigate the damage in the best possible way.” 6
The clean-up effort has been an immense task, particularly in Mimoso Do Sul City. The state governor sent 80 police cadets and they toiled alongside residents with shovels, hoes and wheelbarrows to reopen streets and clear the mud and debris. All essential services such as water, energy, gas and the internet were running again just a week after the flood. 4
The Military Police also supported efforts in nearby cities to collect donations for flood victims, with masses of supplies transported by truck in the days following the rains to those impacted. 7, 8 The armed forces were also involved in the response effort, distributing supplies and assisting in the clean-up. 4
Unity In Times Of Disaster
While the above report is devastating, it is far from unique. When disaster occurs, to mitigate risks to people’s safety, the response must be effective and efficient. A combined effort among the government, community and other agencies is needed. Below are some case studies demonstrating this unity of response in the face of disaster.
Earthquake: Christchurch, New Zealand
On 22 February 2011 a damaging earthquake struck Christchurch, with 185 deaths and thousands of injured. Building collapse and damage was widespread streets, homes and community infrastructure were submerged in liquid mud driven to the surface by the shaking. 9
The emergency response was swift. Fortunately a contingent of New Zealand and Singaporean defence force personnel were holding an exercise in the city and immediately swung into action. Lieutenant Colonel Mike Duncan, Chief of Staff of 3 Land Force Group said: “Our effort was very much focused on helping the emergency services and reinforcing their first response in the city.” Together with other organizations, private and voluntary, the NZDF and first responders coordinated a well-planned response effort. 10
Rubble in the streets of Christchurch city, New Zealand following the 2011 earthquake
Hurricane: Florida, USA
Hurricane Michael was a Category 5 storm that hit Florida and surrounding states in 2018. With winds up to 160 mph, Michael caused 59 deaths and an estimated US$25.5 billion in damage. The hurricane storm surge and inland flooding wreaked havoc across affected areas. 11
An array of organizations were mobilized in response, including more than 50 federal and state agencies and large numbers of voluntary and commercial entities. FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency) was heavily involved in the relief effort, providing almost US$2 billion. 12 Florida and Georgia required a vast amount of mutual aid to re-establish basic amenities. Electric cooperatives from neighbouring states sent crews to help restore power, coming from as far as Illinois (see diagram).
The recent Espírito Santo floods highlighted the crucial role of the Military Police in the united relief effort, despite facing personal losses themselves. This collaborative response underscores the importance of swift action and solidarity in times of disaster. The examples of the Christchurch Earthquake and Hurricane Michael demonstrate that such coordinated efforts are not unique and are vital in mitigating the impact of catastrophes. As we reflect on these stories of courage and resilience, let us remember the value of unity and collective action in facing adversity.
1. Ferri, Vitor. “Enxurrada Arrasta Caminhão Dos Bombeiros Em Mimoso Do Sul, No Espírito Santo; Veja Vídeo.” G1, 23 Mar. 2024, g1.globo.com/es/espirito-santo/sul-es/noticia/2024/03/23/temporal-no-es-chuva-forte-arrasta-carros-e-ate-caminhao-dos-bombeiros-pelas-ruas-cidades-ficaram-embaixo-dagua-veja-video.ghtml.
2. Secretaria Nacional de Proteção e Defesa Civil. “PORTARIA No 992, de 24 de MARÇO de 2024 - DOU - Imprensa Nacional.” Www.in.gov.br, 24 Mar. 2024, https://www.in.gov.br/en/web/dou/-/portaria-n-992-de-24-de-marco-de-2024-549855477.
3. Journal Folha 1. “Tragédia No Sul Do Espírito Santo: Chega a 15 O Número de Mortos Em Consequência Das Chuvas Fortes.” Folha1, 24 Mar. 2024, jornalfolha1.com.br/2024/03/24/tragedia-no-sul-do-espirito-santo-chega-a-15-o-numero-de-mortos-em-consequencia-das-chuvas-fortes/.
4. Ferri, Vitor, and Vivian Barcelos. “20 Mortos, Mais de 11,3 Mil Pessoas Fora de Casa E Cenário Destruição: A Situação Das Cidades Do ES Devastadas Pela Chuva.” G1, 30 Mar. 2024, g1.globo.com/es/espirito-santo/sul-es/noticia/2024/03/30/20-mortos-mais-de-113-mil-pessoas-fora-de-casa-e-cenario-destruicao-a-situacao-das-cidades-do-es-devastadas-pela-chuva.ghtml.
5. Redação Dia a Dia. “Polícia Perde Base, Viaturas, Computadores E Mesas Em Enchente E Limpeza de Mimoso.” Jornal Dia a Dia ES, 2 Apr. 2024, diaadiaes.com.br/policia-perde-base-viaturas-computadores-e-mesas-em-enchente-e-limpeza-de-cidade/.
6. de Melo Pires, Aline. “Governo Federal Fala de Ações Em Resposta Às Fortes Chuvas No Espírito Santo.” Revista Emergência, 27 Mar. 2024, www.revistaemergencia.com.br/geral/governo-federal-fala-de-acoes-em-resposta-as-fortes-chuvas-no-espirito-santo/.
7. Polícia Militar do Espírito Santo. “Polícia Militar Se Mobiliza E Realiza Entrega de Doações Às Vítimas Das Fortes Chuvas Em Apiacá E Mimoso Do Sul.” PMES, 2024, pm.es.gov.br/Not%C3%ADcia/policia-militar-se-mobiliza-e-realiza-entrega-de-doacoes-as-vitimas-das-fortes-chuvas-em-apiaca-e-mimoso-do-sul.
8. “Doação: Saiba Como Ajudar as Vítimas Da Chuva No ES.” G1, 24 Mar. 2024, g1.globo.com/es/espirito-santo/sul-es/noticia/2024/03/24/doacao-saiba-como-ajudar-as-vitimas-da-chuva-no-es.ghtml.
9. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. “Christchurch Earthquake Kills 185.” Nzhistory.govt.nz, 22 Feb. 2011, nzhistory.govt.nz/page/christchurch-earthquake-kills-185.
10. “Christchurch Earthquake.” National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy, 30 Sept. 2015, navymuseum.co.nz/explore/by-themes/1970-today/christchurch-earthquake/.
11. “Four Years after Hurricane Michael: Revisiting the Devastation of Category 5 Storm.” HowStuffWorks, 25 Aug. 2023, science.howstuffworks.com/nature/natural-disasters/hurricane-michael.htm#:~:text=On%20October%2010%2C%202018%2C%20Hurricane.
12. “FACT SHEET: One Year after Hurricane Michael.” Fema.gov, FEMA, 16 Oct. 2019, www.fema.gov/press-release/20210318/fact-sheet-one-year-after-hurricane-michael#:~:text=Nearly%20%241.9%20billion%20in%20federal,and%20other%20disaster%2Drelated%20needs.
COMMENTS