Ribeirão Preto Mobilizes Aid for Storm Victims: How to Help

Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, is actively responding to a severe storm that caused widespread damage, including destructions of homes and infrastructure. Authorities have declared a state of emergency to facilitate disaster response and reconstruction efforts. The storm, described as one of the worst in recent years, resulted in the death of a 75-year-old man and affected an estimated 300 families in the Rio Pardo community alone. Significant damage includes collapsed structures, fallen trees, flooding, and disruptions to essential services like electricity, internet, and water supply across various regions of the city. Several public and private facilities, including health units, gas stations, and major roadways like Avenida Dom Pedro I, sustained damage. To support those affected, multiple donation drives and shelters have been established. The EMEF Virgílio Salata school is collecting non-perishable food, water, clothing, blankets, mattresses, and roofing materials for affected families. The Municipal Health Secretariat is also accepting donations of non-perishable food, potable water, personal hygiene items, clothing, and cleaning supplies. The State Civil Defense has deployed teams and sent a truck with humanitarian aid, including mattresses, basic food baskets, cleaning kits, bedding, blankets, hygiene kits, clothing, footwear, and mineral water, along with ten water trucks to support affected municipalities. Additionally, the Estação Cidadania has been prepared as a reception center for displaced and homeless individuals.