In light of the flooding period of the Madeira River, in Western Amazonia, the Brazilian Navy (MB) has intensified its presence in the region with the aim of contributing to the safety of navigation and reinforcing support for riverside populations.
Through the 9th Naval District Command, the Navy sent the River Patrol Vessel (NPaFlu) “Rondônia” and the Hospital Assistance Vessel (NAsH) “Soares de Meirelles” to the Madeira River, both subordinate to the Amazonas Flotilla Command. In addition, the speedboats of the Porto Velho River Captaincy continue to intensify their naval inspection actions in the region.
The “Rio Negro” River Hydroceanographic Notice (AvHoFlu), subordinate to the Northwest Hydrography and Navigation Center, carried out a hydrographic survey on the Madeira River in order to provide navigators with updated cartographic information about the river.
Among the actions to combat the flood, the Navy also monitors the level of rivers in Western Amazonia and contacts public institutions to support the demands resulting from periods of flooding and drought.
Hospital Assistance
The NAsH “Soares de Meirelles” left Manaus on Tuesday (1st) to provide several basic health services to riverside communities located along the Madeira River, including those already affected by the flood. Initially, the actions will be concentrated in the Lower Madeira, near Porto Velho (RO).
Through the ship, the population will have access to consultations with doctors, dentists, pharmacists, as well as nursing and medical radiology technicians.
The goal of the “Soares de Meirelles” is to reach more isolated and difficult-to-reach places, in order to ensure that several communities have access to basic healthcare. Inside the ship itself, which usually stops on the riverbanks, riverside residents are treated in medical and dental offices, a laboratory for exams, a stabilization room for urgent and emergency cases, a room for imaging exams (x-rays and mammograms), a hospital ward and a vaccination room.
The ship also has a pharmacy for the free distribution of medicines and dental kits. The Navy’s hospital assistance actions in the region are carried out with the support of the Ministry of Health.
Navigation safety
Navigation Safety actions on the Madeira River, which include naval inspections, educational lectures and training of watermen, are carried out throughout the year by the Porto Velho River Authority. During the flood period, the NPaFlu “Rondônia” was sent to the region to intensify inspections, reinforce accident prevention and contribute to the safety of people at sea.
In addition to approaching and inspecting vessels traveling on the Madeira River, the ship carried out naval patrol actions, resulting in the seizure of items that were allegedly used in illegal mining and detained individuals with illegal possession of firearms.
Hydrographic survey
Hydrographic surveys were reinforced by the Navy on the Madeira River due to the flood – Image: Brazilian Navy
AvHoFlu “Rio Negro” carried out, for 75 uninterrupted days, a commission with the objective of collecting hydrographic data in the Madeira River channel, which ended on March 27. The result of this work is the cartographic update of an area of 152 km², made available to navigators.
The AvHoFlu “Rio Negro” also carried out topography and geodesy activities, as well as supporting the identification, through Danger Surveys, of 27 rocks along the riverbed.
The Madeira River waterway plays an important role in the region’s economy, functioning as an important grain export corridor from the Central-West and one of the main routes for the flow of production from the Manaus Free Trade Zone. Therefore, updating the waterway’s cartography is essential to ensure safe navigation on the Madeira River.