Horse Rescued from Rooftop After Severe Floods in Southern Brazil
The recent severe floods in southern Brazil have left a trail of destruction, with the death toll rising to 107 people and many more missing. Amidst the devastation, a heartwarming story emerged as emergency workers rescued a horse that had been trapped on a rooftop for days.
The horse, affectionately named Caramelo on social media, was found balancing on two narrow strips of slippery asbestos in Canoas, a city in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area that was severely affected by the floods. The animal’s precarious situation captured the attention of the nation, and on Thursday, rescuers successfully transferred the horse into a Zodiac inflatable boat to take it to safety.
The rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving firefighters, veterinarians, soldiers, and volunteers. The team sedated and immobilized the 770-pound horse before carefully placing it on an inflatable raft. The operation required four inflatable boats and four support vessels, showcasing the dedication and determination of the rescue workers.
The floods have caused widespread destruction, destroying infrastructure, bridges, and leaving many areas isolated by floodwaters. The state of Rio Grande do Sul is facing a monumental task of rebuilding, with Governor Eduardo Leite estimating a cost of at least 19 billion reais ($3.68 billion) to recover from the damage.
In addition to human casualties and infrastructure damage, the floods have also taken a toll on animals in the region. Rescue workers have been working tirelessly to save stranded animals, with Rio Grande do Sul state agents rescuing about 10,000 animals since last week. The heartwarming scenes of pets reuniting with their owners and difficult rescue missions have been shared on social media, highlighting the resilience and compassion of the community in the face of adversity.
The rescue of Caramelo, the horse trapped on a rooftop, serves as a symbol of hope in a region grappling with the aftermath of a natural disaster. It is a reminder of the importance of coming together in times of crisis to support both humans and animals in need. As the region continues to recover and rebuild, stories of resilience and compassion like this one provide a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.