Lack of water for firefighters to carry out searches in Venezuela, says Renato Júnior
Manaus City Hall mobilized federal departments and agencies to send humanitarian aid to Venezuela following the earthquakes that hit the country last week. In an interview with CNN 360°, Mayor Renato Júnior reported on the actions taken and highlighted the seriousness of the situation faced by rescue teams in the neighboring country.
According to Renato Júnior, more than 200 tons of supplies have already been sent to Venezuela, including 10,000 basic food baskets, more than 500 mattresses, food, medicines and hygiene kits. The material was transported on Monday by the Army, with support from the FAB, and has already reached the Venezuelan border.
Firefighters without water to continue the search
One of the most alarming points reported by Renato Júnior concerns the lack of water for firefighters working in search operations for survivors among the rubble.
"There is no water for firefighters to continue their search work, so this is very serious," he said. Furthermore, food is also scarce, as access to businesses is blocked and telecommunications are paralyzed in the affected areas.
Given the scale of the crisis, Renato Júnior announced the shipment of another 200 tons of supplies scheduled for Friday (3). The Manaus Social Assistance Secretariat was transformed into a collection point, also receiving clothing donations from the population. The initiative gained support from Venezuelans, Colombians and other immigrant colonies residing in Manaus.
"Not only here at Manaus City Hall, the entire team of secretaries, but the population too, to help, regardless of ideologies, regardless of the color of flags, of country", he highlighted.
Solidarity as historical retribution
Renato Júnior also mentioned the historical context that motivates solidarity in Manaus. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when Amazonas faced a serious oxygen crisis in hospitals, Venezuela provided aid to the state.
"Borders serve to separate countries, separate states, but not to separate people. And it is above ideology, it is above politics", he declared. In closing, Renato Júnior appealed to other Brazilian governments to also contribute to Venezuela at this time.
As for the shipping logistics, Renato Júnior informed that there are no bureaucratic impediments either on the part of Brazil or Venezuela.
The Federal Revenue Service made the Radar Siscomex system available to speed up humanitarian exports, and the materials have reached their destination quickly. The geographic proximity - with Amazonas and Roraima bordering the neighboring country - facilitates the flow of aid via BR-319.
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Source: CNN