Brazilian paddlers have come together to help rescue people and animals after heavy rain resulted in widespread flooding in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
The Brazilian Championship of Canoe Slalom, Kayak Cross and Canoe Sprint was scheduled to be held between May 3 and 5 only to be postponed due to the extreme weather conditions that has caused havoc in the region.
At least 83 people have reportedly died from the catastrophic floods with more than 100 people said to be missing.
Três Coroas, which was due to host the Brazilian Championship of Canoe Slalom, Kayak Cross and Canoe Sprint, is one of the most affected municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul.
Pedro Aversa is one of several paddlers that has helped with the rescue efforts as he showed images of the flood on social media.
He also recorded the rescue of a dog and two people.
“Everything that was going to happen was cancelled and as we knew this could happen, we stayed to give a boost, right?,” Aversa told Globo Esporte.
“We have a lot of experience in rivers, in rescues, and we felt it was our duty to stay and help.
“From outside [the state] it’s just me and Leonardo [Bueno].
“But we count on the help of the city’s athletes, the canoeing school.
“They have been with the boat since 2am, doing an exceptional job.”
The Brazilian Championship of Canoe Slalom, Kayak Cross and Canoe Sprint has been moved to later this month, with competition now scheduled to take place from May 24 to 26 in Três Coroas.
The Brazilian Canoeing Confederation (CBCa) said it stood in solidarity with the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
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"Our solidarity extends to all those affected, and while we recognise the current restrictions that prevent travel to the affected locations and the distribution of donations, we are vigilant and ready to provide assistance as soon as conditions allow,” said CBCa President Rafael Girotto.
“For now, it is essential that security forces have priority access to affected families to ensure their safety and well-being.”
Chile’s National Canoe Slalom team have also been impacted by the floods in Brazil.
Chilean paddlers had travelled to Rio Grande do Sul for training only for the area to be hit by floods.
Florenica Aguirre told Radio Bío Bío de Valdivia that the house of Chile’s head coach Cassio Petry had been damaged by the natural disaster.
“Two of our friends live here, our coach of the national team is from here in the town of Três Coroas, and because of the rain the rivers rose a lot and flooded both of their houses,” said Aguirre.
“They lost everything.
“Fortunately no one from the team, nor the people whose house was flooded suffered injuries.
“They stayed on the roof of the house all night until they could be rescued.”
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