By Marina Reis de Oliveira
For GEIGS World Refugee Day Campaign June 2024
(Edited by Riya Sawhney, GEIGS 2024 Co-Chair )
*Pictures without captions were kindly offered by Maria Eduarda Fortes. Used with permission and not for profit.
In May 2024, a climate catastrophe spread across the state of Rio Grande do Sul: devastating floods hit 90% of its cities and tens of thousands of inhabitants. Porto Alegre, the state capital, and other regions met with destruction like never before in its history, and thousands of people were displaced. As a medical student volunteer involved in rescues and supporting the climate refugees, I had the opportunity to witness the resilience and solidarity of our community in a time of crisis.
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May 6, 2024: It could be a day like any other, but instead of birds, the noise of helicopters and boat engines dominated the dawn. Amidst the chaos, the waters invaded the houses in Porto Alegre and, with no choice, residents tried to save what they could: a mattress, an important document, their pet. Five days after the public calamity was declared, we were in a state of emergency. No electricity, no water, no cell phone signal and no means of communicating with our loved ones. The fear was paralyzing and, despite not being directly affected at that moment, the threat was real and imminent.
June 23, 2024: Today, more than a month after the climate disaster began, I reflect on the profound impact this situation has had on the lives of so many families. After leaving my own home for safety, rescuing my brother by boat, removing people who lost everything from the water at rescue points and welcoming refugees in the various shelters spread across the capital, I realized the true depth and dimension of the destruction and the deep need for solidarity. Seeing the devastation and despair up close transformed my perspective, reinforcing the importance of community support and voluntary action in times of crisis.
I started volunteering in rescues and shelters not entirely by choice, but out of an impulse and the need to act. In the beginning, everything was disorganized: those needing shelter arrived nonstop without adequate facilities, there was a shortage of help, confusion reigned, and communication was difficult due to the lack of cell signal and electricity in almost the entire city. My university, focused on health sciences, quickly mobilized students and professionals to work on the front lines. Each time I went, my heart was in my throat, uncertain if I'd be able to return home, as the water rapidly approached my street and fear came in waves.
Participating in the rescues was one of the most intense and challenging experiences of my life. Seeing people's destruction and anguish up close motivated me to keep working. In shelters, I witnessed stories of loss and resilience: relatives searching for their loved ones, children scared and confused, chronically ill people without their medications, entire lives washed away in just a few hours. What struck me most was the courage and determination of these people in rebuilding their lives.
The first person I helped out of a boat during rescues was a lady in her 60s. In tears and terrified, she screamed that she had lost everything, with no time to save anything. When she saw me in a white coat, she hugged me and said she finally felt safe. Her words and her immediate relief touched me deeply. I was floored for a few seconds as I hugged her back, because no medical school can prepare someone for situations like this. It taught me that being a doctor is not just about medical knowledge, but also about providing comfort and reassurance in times of crisis. It highlighted the human side of medicine, where empathy and compassion are as crucial as any medical skill.
Now, we face a "new normal" reminiscent of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it a frightening reality. Roads, avenues, and streets flooded and blocked, airports disabled, houses, shops and buildings destroyed, material losses in homes and commercial establishments, lack of water and basic food supply. Our agricultural production is at high risk of crop failure. And the worst of all: 176 confirmed deaths, 40 missing and more than 600,000 homeless, with 467 of the state's 497 cities wondering how to rebuild after such a tragedy.
Many organizations are working tirelessly to provide help, and it is worth highlighting the fundamental role that the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has played. UNHCR has deployed a specialized team for shelter management, documentation, and the prevention of gender-based violence to the disaster areas, coordinating the reception of relief items. The team provides technical assistance to improve shelter operations, especially in Porto Alegre. Together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UNHCR is assessing the needs of refugees and migrants to support the most urgent cases. Their efforts are crucial in maintaining hope and stability for the victims, demonstrating the power of international solidarity in the face of catastrophe.
You can learn more about what the UNHCR has done to help climate change refugees in Brazil and around the world here.
In the midst of all the chaos, solidarity emerged as a light in dark times. Volunteers from all corners came together to help, offering their time, resources, and emotional support. Neighbors sheltered homeless families. Donations of food, clothing, and essential items arrived from various parts of the country, and healthcare professionals worked tirelessly to serve those in need. The empathy and compassion shown were inspiring, demonstrating that even in the worst circumstances, unity and generosity can prevail, providing hope and relief to those affected.
On this World Refugee Day, it is essential that we remember the thousands of people who, like those affected by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, face the loss of their homes and uncertainty about the future. Solidarity, empathy, and ongoing support are vital to helping displaced communities get back on their feet. It is certain that the impact of the climate crisis will be felt by all around the world, not just in Brazil. May we all come together for a fairer and more equitable world, where no one needs to face the arduous, often fatal, repercussions of the climate crisis alone. May our global community recognize the signs of impending disaster and see these widespread, devastating events as an alarming call to action - the best time to act was yesterday, the next best time to act is now.
Join us in supporting those affected by making a donation today and make a difference in their lives. Link for Donation:
The government of Rio Grande do Sul https://sosenchentes.rs.gov.br/international-donations
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) https://www.unhcr.ca/
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