The video shows the moment of the dramatic rescue this Monday (9) in Laurentino, in Alto Vale do Itajaí. The rain, which punished several towns of Santa Catarina with floods and flash floods, left 193 people homeless and between 350 and 450 people in the municipality. According to readings taken at 11am on Tuesday (10), the river level had risen to 12.10 metres, leaving streets flooded and without access.

Laurentino flooded the streets due to the rains that hit Santa Catarina – Photos by Dimas/Reproduction/ND

Laurentino flooded the streets due to the rains that hit Santa Catarina – Reproduction/ND

Laurentino flooded the streets due to the rains that hit Santa Catarina – Reproduction/ND

The team of Águia 4, a military police helicopter, together with a team from the military fire service, rescued two men who were waiting for help clinging to a tree after the boat they were in capsized on the Itajaí River.

See the moment of salvation in Laurentino

Rescue was necessary after a man’s boat capsized on a river in the municipality of Laurentino, in Alto Vale do Itajaí – Video: Reproduction/ND

When called, troopers swam to the tree and, using equipment known as a lifebelt, towed the couple to the riverbank. Shortly after the rescue, the men were examined by a medical team and released.

Video shows dramatic rescue of men clinging to tree during SA floods – Photo: Reproduction/ND

The Águia 4 aircraft group continues to provide support in the Alto Vale do Itajaí region, transporting patients in isolated areas to hospitals, carrying out rescue operations, air medical transport in support of Samu (Mobile Emergency Service) and civilian defense missions.