First ShelterBox tents pitched for families in Brazil

The first batch of ShelterBox tents have been pitched for families affected by the devastating floods that have hit South East Brazil.

ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) members David Hatcher (UK) and Walter Filho (BRA) have deployed the first allocation of tents in the city of Rio do Sul that has been hit by five times the usual rainfall. As a result, rivers have risen twelve metres above their normal level submerging eighty percent of the city.

The water has been so powerful that entire homes have drifted away, or been demolished altogether. Landslides have also crushed homes and left families without shelter.

ShelterBox were greeted upon arrival by the Mayor of Rio do Sul, Milton Hobus and President of Rio de Sul Rotary, Rodrigo Gadotti. The co-operation ensured the SRT was able to make a thorough assessment, beginning with a helicopter assessment, to identify the families that were most vulnerable.

Once the assessment had been completed, the moment the prepositioned ShelterBoxes arrived from Rio de Janeiro meant life-saving aid could be distributed immediately to families most in need.

A new home

Within the first two hours of the aid arriving the first family were given a new home. Daniel and Marilda Pires had their home completely destroyed. Together with their children, two year-old Bruna, five year-old Daniela and seven year-old Everton, they now have the shelter, warmth and dignity that is so vital in the aftermath of such a devastating disaster.

David Hatcher, who is leading the ShelterBox deployment, said: ‘On receiving a ShelterBox Daniel was worried about what it would cost him – so when he was told it was a gift from people around the world who care about him and his family he broke down with gratitude.

‘The children are ecstatic about their new home, even in such a shocking environment, the kindness and generosity of people who have made this happen for them has brought a new warmth to their hearts.’

ShelterBox have further identified the safest areas in the region to dispatch the remaining aid so more families like Daniel’s and Marilda’s can receive life-saving supplies at a time they need it most.