The recent rescue of a horse stranded on a rooftop in southern Brazil has brought rare good news to a nation devastated by massive floods that have killed more than 100 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. The horse, nicknamed “Caramelo”, was stuck on a roof in Canoas, a city in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area in the Rio Grande do Sul state. The rescue operation, led by firefighters, involved sedating the 770-pound horse and laying him on an inflatable raft before taking him to safety. The successful rescue operation was broadcast live on television and captured the attention of social media users, including influencer Felipe Neto who offered to adopt Caramelo.
Following his rescue, Caramelo, believed to be seven years old, is recovering at a veterinary hospital affiliated with a university. The veterinarian who helped rescue him reported that the horse arrived very dehydrated, but his general nature made it easier to administer sedatives. The operation to rescue Caramelo was described as extremely difficult and beyond standard procedures for specialized teams, but ultimately successful. Rio Grande do Sul agencies have rescued about 10,000 animals since the flooding began, with thousands more being saved by municipalities and volunteers. The number of animals killed or missing has not been officially tallied but is believed to be in the thousands.
Despite ongoing rescue efforts, authorities in southern Brazil are preparing for new storms forecasted to hit the region. Some 400 municipalities have been affected by the recent flooding, leaving many without access to drinking water, electricity, or the ability to call for help with communication services down. Rescuers are navigating flooded streets in boats and on jet skis, searching for people trapped in their homes or hesitant to evacuate due to fears of looting. The Guaiba river in Porto Alegre has reached record levels, and officials are monitoring five dams at risk of rupturing.
The focus remains on rescue operations and delivering humanitarian aid to flood-stricken communities in the south of Brazil before the arrival of new storms. The state’s civil defense force is working around the clock to provide assistance to those in need. The situation is dire for many residents who remain cut off from essential services and facing the threat of further flooding. The state’s civil defense spokesperson emphasized the importance of prioritizing rescues while also working to offer support and aid to those affected by the devastating floods.
