In a heartwarming rescue mission that captured the attention of the nation, a Brazilian horse named ‘Caramelo’ was saved from a perilous situation during devastating floods. The inspiring story of survival and bravery highlighted the strong bond between humans and animals in times of crisis. Let’s explore the remarkable tale of Caramelo’s dramatic rescue and the heroic efforts of the rescuers who went the extra mile to ensure his safety.
Hope Amid Tragedy in Southern Brazil
The rescue of a horse stranded on a rooftop in southern Brazil has brought a ray of hope to a nation devastated by the worst flooding in 80 years, resulting in over 100 deaths and displacing thousands of people. Dubbed ‘Caramelo’ on social media, the horse was rescued by firefighters in Canoas, a city in the Porto Alegre metropolitan area, which was severely affected by recent torrential rains.
Caramelo, a 349kg (770 pounds) brown horse, found himself in a precarious position on two narrow, slippery strips of asbestos on the roof. The daring rescue operation, broadcast live on television, involved sedating the animal before carefully placing him on an inflatable raft for safety.
Captain Tiago Franco, a firefighter from Sao Paulo leading the operation, described finding the animal in a weakened state and the team’s efforts to rescue him. Social media influencer Felipe Neto provided updates to his nearly 17 million followers during the rescue and expressed his joy at the successful outcome.
Road to Recovery
Caramelo, estimated to be seven years old, is currently recuperating at a veterinary hospital affiliated with a university. Veterinarian Mariangela Allgayer shared on social media that the horse was severely dehydrated upon arrival. Bruno Schmitz, one of the veterinarians involved in the rescue and treatment of Caramelo, praised the horse’s cooperative nature, which facilitated the administration of sedatives during the operation.
The state of Rio Grande do Sul has rescued approximately 10,000 animals in the aftermath of the flooding, with additional efforts from municipalities and volunteers saving many more. While the exact number of animals lost or missing remains unknown, local media estimates suggest it could be in the hundreds.
Ongoing Challenges
As the authorities continue to provide assistance to flood-affected communities in the south of Brazil, they face the looming threat of more severe storms forecasted to hit the region. With around 400 municipalities impacted by the floods, many areas lack access to clean water, electricity, and communication services.
Rescue teams are navigating flooded streets to reach people trapped in their homes or hesitant to evacuate due to concerns about looting. The Guaiba river, flowing through Porto Alegre, has reached historic levels, raising concerns about the potential rupture of five dams in the area.
The focus remains on delivering humanitarian aid and support to those affected by the floods, with efforts concentrated on rescue operations and relief initiatives. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing crisis, the resilience and dedication of the responders offer a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
