Minister of Defense Edmundo Novillo confirmed the approval of a Supreme Government Decree to send humanitarian aid to benefit those affected by the floods in southern Brazil.

“A decree has been approved that allows us, especially within the framework of complementarity, reciprocity and solidarity, to send humanitarian aid [to Brazil] (…),” Novillo stated at a press conference.

The minister added that the aid will be sent in reciprocity with the solidarity from Brazil and other countries when Bolivia was affected by similar circumstances earlier this year.

He pointed out that Bolivians live in a small country, but they have a big heart and are supportive, adding that the aid will be provided by the workers of different ministries through the Solidarity Management Community Action Unit.

The minister explained that the Presidency will donate 10 tons of powdered milk, 10 tons of rice; 2.5 tons of beans, 1,500 units of canvas tents; 1,000 tents and 2,000 blankets, and added that Bolivian President Luis Arce had informed his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula Da Silva, about this, and the corresponding arrangements are being made through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At the end of April, the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul was hit hard by rainfalls and flooding, which resulted in 149 deaths, 124 missing people and 806 injured.

According to official reports, 615,000 people are displaced, 6,800 of whom remain in shelters.

jg/llp/lam/jpm