A severe storm struck Patos de Minas on Saturday afternoon, December 14, 2023, causing extensive damage, particularly to the Santa Casa de Misericórdia hospital. The storm, characterized by heavy rainfall and strong winds, resulted in the metal structure of the hospital's roof being partially torn away. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.
The response to the storm mobilized multiple emergency services, including the 12th Battalion of the Fire Department, which was placed on high alert to handle numerous emergency calls. The Santa Casa, the most affected facility, had its roof debris thrown onto the nearby Avenida Marabá, significantly disrupting traffic and power supply to the neighborhood.
According to local officials, the heavy winds not only impacted the hospital but also caused various structural damages across the city, including downed trees and damaged buildings. Other areas experienced severe flooding, leading the city’s emergency management teams to advise residents to avoid specific streets and maintain caution.
"Due to the severe wind recorded during the storm, part of the structure was affected, causing significant inconveniences," stated the hospital's management. They directed urgent cases to the Unidade de Pronto Atendimento (UPA) Porte VIII, indicating the necessity for immediate measures to stabilize service delivery as they worked to regain normal operations.
The storm resulted in at least 16 reported incidents, many related to fallen trees and power outages. The electric utility company reported outages affecting several neighborhoods and mobilized additional teams to restore service as quickly as possible.
Both the Fire Department and the Civil Defense continued to monitor the situation and facilitated rescue efforts, ensuring safe passage for emergency vehicles to respond to various incidents across the city.
Among other locations impacted by the storm, the Renascer Natalino facility and several automobiles at local dealerships also sustained damage. The storm's intensity led to uprooted trees and shattered glass on parked vehicles, illustrating the widespread nature of the impact.
A significant concern for emergency services was the debris, including metal structures littering the city, which posed risks to pedestrians and motorists. Officials urged the public to exercise caution around the impacted areas, particularly on Avenida Afonso Queiroz and Avenida Marabá, where the storm had wreaked the most havoc.
The storm’s aftermath prompted proactive communication from the hospital's administration, emphasizing their efforts to transfer patients safely from the affected areas within the institution. “All necessary measures are being taken to reestablish normal service as quickly as possible,” they assured, urging the community's cooperation during this challenging period.
By the evening, the hospital's operations were reported to have returned to normal, with staff and emergency responders actively managing recovery efforts across Patos de Minas. While the storm had disrupted everyday life, the collaborative response from local authorities and emergency teams underscored the community's resilience and capacity to work together during crises.
Local residents voiced their concerns and gratitude for the swift action taken by the emergency teams. Community engagement was evident as many offered assistance and support to those most affected by the storm, reinforcing the bonds within the city.
Despite the challenges presented by the storm, the clear direction from local authorities and the responsive actions taken demonstrated the preparedness of Patos de Minas to handle such extreme weather events. The authorities remain vigilant, advising the public to stay informed and prioritize safety as they recover from the impact of the storm.
