The Brazilian Army, through the 4th Army Aviation Battalion (4th BAvEX) Squadron Coronel Ricardo Pavanello, rescued several children from three indigenous communities in the Yanomami lands, in the region of Surucucu, in Roraima. The victims needed medical attention due to their health conditions. 

According to the note published by the Army this Thursday (12), the operation began on December 31, when an HM-1 Pantera K2 helicopter (AS 365 K2) left Manaus Air Base, heading for the communities. 

The mission was received by the military organization the day before, when preparations were started in the form of a flight plan, installation of a transfer tank, separation of materials, among other procedures.

The aircraft then made a three-hour flight to Boa Vista, where it was fueled and took off for the 4th Special Frontier Platoon/Surucucu (4th PEF Surucucu). There, the 4th BAvEx team made a new weight and fuel schedule to set out to rescue children in the communities.

In all, 20 people from the Kunamariú, Hokomaua and Yaritobi communities were rescued by the EB and taken to the Polo Base Surucucu of the Special Indigenous Health District (DSEI) Yanomami.

According to Major Schiavon, the squadron's pilot, health professionals reported that the indigenous children were suffering from malnutrition and dehydration. One had malaria and the other pneumonia. He was also informed that, due to the rain, there was difficulty in planting and, due to a lack of food, the children were weakened.

“One of the communities is almost on the border with Venezuela, we managed the landing. There was a risk of bad weather, but, thank God, we were able to accomplish the entire mission in the three communities”, celebrated Major Schiavon.

Due to weather conditions, the soldiers of the 4th BAvEx were only able to return to Manaus on January 2nd. “In aviation it is common for us to travel a lot, including on commemorative dates. Of course, we prefer to spend dates like this at home, with the family, but in a situation like this we go without hesitation, because we know the importance of the mission and how necessary it is”, concluded the pilot.

With EB