Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil - May 14, 2024

Storyline:
Rescue efforts are intensifying in southern Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul State as the death toll from the devastating floods reached 149, with more than 100 others still missing as of Tuesday.

Starting on April 29th, the relentless floods have ravaged southern Brazil for three weeks now. Vast areas remain submerged, displacing residents and leaving a path of destruction. Experts warn the receding of waters could take weeks, posing a significant challenge to recovery efforts.

In the face of this disaster, volunteers from across the country have converged on Porto Alegre, a central hub for rescue and relief operations. These dedicated individuals, many equipped with their own boats, have been instrumental in searching for victims, transporting supplies, and providing essential support to those affected.

Fernando Teixeira, a volunteer from the neighboring state of Santa Catarina, brought his jet ski to assist in the rescue efforts.

Eldorado do Sul stands as a tragic symbol of the floods, the entire town swallowed by water. Volunteer rescuers have evacuated many, but some residents, fearing looters, cling to their submerged homes. These brave residents rely heavily on volunteers for basic necessities, a testament to the crucial role of volunteer support in this disaster.

Beyond rescuing people, volunteers have emerged as lifesavers for countless animals, primarily dogs. They're providing veterinary care for these furry friends until they can be reunited with their owners or placed in loving shelters.

Shotlis:
Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil - May 14, 2024:
1. Flag, volunteers at temporary rescue hub;
2. Aerial shot of rescue boats, volunteers;
3. Various of volunteers driving boats to save trapped residents, flooded buildings;
4. Volunteers driving boat to reach home of flood victims;
5. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese, dubbed in English) Fernando Teixeira, volunteer (starting with shot 4/ending with shot 6):
"I felt that I had to do something more than just send supplies here. We are running a campaign collecting a lot of donations in my home town of Florianopolis. But I felt I had to come here. So, I packed my things and came. I think the work that organized civil society is doing is fundamental."
6. Volunteers driving boats to save trapped residents, flooded buildings;
7. Aerial shots of flooded buildings;
8. Volunteers driving boat with rescued people, pet to safe area;
9. Various of flood victims on top of flooded building;
10. Volunteer sending box of drinking water to flood victims;
11. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese, dubbed in English) Pedro Batista Tavares, flood victim (starting with shot 10):
"It's not a good idea for a us to cross to the other side. We decided to stay because we are four people here and if we leave we have nowhere to stay and will only suffer. So we will stay here, God willing."
12. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese, dubbed in English) Eduardo Cardoso, volunteer:
"I feel fulfilled. I feel good when I get home, and my four-year-old daughter comes up to me and asks, 'Dad, how many people did you save today ' I don't have that number, and I don't count."
13. Rescue boat sailing;
14. Various of volunteers evacuating flood victims, pets.

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