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H&M Foundation is donating USD 250,000 to support people affected by extreme flooding in Brazil

The southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul is experiencing unprecedent flooding as a result of record rainfall. This has resulted in devasting tragedy impacting hundreds of thousands of people. In response to this, H&M Foundation is donating USD 250,000 to the Red Cross who aim to provide urgent critical aid to those most in need.

Aerial view of floods in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, taken on May 9, 2024. – Some 400 municipalities have been affected by the worst natural calamity ever to hit the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with hundreds of people injured and more than 160,000 forced from their homes. (Photo by Nelson ALMEIDA / AFP)

On 5 May, the state declared a public calamity, a status recognized by the federal government. According to the Brazilian authorities, floods have affected 431 out of the 496 municipalities, impacting millions of people and resulting in significant injuries and loss of life. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in shelters.

“Our hearts go out to those affected by these devasting events. In making this donation to the Red Cross, we hope we can contribute to those in need of urgent support in these incredibly difficult times.”

Karl-Johan Persson, board member H&M Foundation

The strategy of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC’s) response will focus on providing immediate relief support to the affected population, as well as mitigating the impact of the disaster on health.

Emergency efforts include:

  • Integrated Assistance (shelter, livelihoods, multi-purpose cash)
  • WASH (mental health and psychosocial support/community health)
  • Protection and Prevention (protection, gender, and inclusion (PGI), community engagement accountability, migration, environmental sustainability, risk reduction, climate adaptation and recovery, education)