A. Situation analysis
A.1. Description of the disaster
In mid-2015, heavy rains fell in southern Brazil, affecting 283,140 people mainly in the States of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande Du Sul. The latter was the most affected, as Gravataí, Arrollo Sapucaya and Uruguay rivers exceeded normal levels, affecting 158,793 people. Due to the recurrence of rains and hail in the area, a State of Emergency was declared on 14 July at the municipal level, and on 1 October it was extended for three more months in 34 affected municipalities.
The Brazilian state body Civil Defence responded to the emergency with support from response agencies, monitoring the status of the Uruguay, Cai and Sinos Rivers and providing all necessary assistance to security forces in municipalities. This DREF operation was extended for one month due to continuing rains and the level of impact to the population.
A.2. Summary of response Overview of Host National Society:
The Brazilian Red Cross (BRC) supported efforts by providing first aid, psychosocial support and management of temporary collective centres. The Porto Alegre branch also conducted health and hygiene promotion activities and distributed food kits, mattresses, hygiene kits, and blankets in the targeted communities. Additionally, emergency humanitarian aid was provided to the community of El Puente in Cachoerinha do Sul, where the aforementioned items were also delivered to 11 households. The national headquarters of the Brazilian Red Cross through its various departments and operation managers provided support to local BRC branches, conducted missions maintained constant communication. Response activities were developed in coordination with other actors, such as Civil Defence and local prefectures, which aided in the implementation of activities in the communities.
Following the rains in late October that affected new areas, the BRC implemented emergency interventions to distribute food kits, hygiene kits and blankets to these new beneficiaries.
Overview of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement in the country: Since the beginning of the emergency and through this DREF operation, IFRC staff was sent to the emergency area, including a Regional Intervention Team (RIT) member from the Uruguayan Red Cross. The disaster management coordinator for South America was also deployed to the area to support the operation and monitor distributions.
Overview of non-RCRC actors in country: Since the beginning of the operation, the National Society has worked closely with Civil Defence and Prefectures via coordination meetings. The main results from joint activities include safer access to communities, as the BRC has greater visibility and a history of efforts in the area; exchange of information relevant to the operation's development; and provision of vehicles to transport beneficiaries to the distribution points.
Fire-fighters also provided support during evacuation efforts early during the emergency evacuation, as well a boat to reach 11 families in a flooded area so they could be assisted by the National Society.
Civil Defence and Prefectures provided mattresses to families in Cachoerina do Sul, as well as bottled water to the community of Meu Rincão. The above mentioned entities are also tracking affected people in both municipalities through their social assistance departments.
The municipality of Cachoerinha relocated all of the households in Villa Olaria in the community of "Chico Mendez", where the government made available housing to benefit the families.
Financial situation: The remaining balance of CHF 39,309 will be reimbursed to the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund.