Doctors and psychologists from the Brazilian public health system (SUS) are treating tornado victims in Paraná.

Medical and psychological professionals from the National Force of the Unified Health System have already assisted more than 800 people in the city of Rio Bonito do Iguaçu (PR), the most affected by the tornado last Friday, the 7th. The municipality had six deaths, at least 775 injured, and 39 people left homeless.

According to the Ministry of Health, the teams will remain in the territory indefinitely until the situation stabilizes. The professionals support the reorganization of the healthcare structure and reinforce services in the units. They work in primary care, urgent and emergency care, and also in shelters.

Of the seven health units in the municipality, two remain partially operational. Urgent and emergency care has been centralized in the municipality of Laranjeiras do Sul.

Mental health

Mental health care is another key focus of the work, according to the coordinator of the National Health System (SUS) Task Force, Rodrigo Stabelli, given that 80% of the city has been devastated , as reported by the Ministry of Health.

He states that the impact of the situation causes different age groups to suffer psychologically, as is the case with children and the elderly.

Stabelli says the actions include providing emotional support to frontline professionals, monitoring affected families, and holding discussion groups in shelters, schools, and churches.

In total, 55 municipalities in Paraná were impacted by storms, affecting more than 31,000 people. The strategy of the National Health System Task Force involves sending psychologists, psychiatrists, pharmacists, and technical managers.

At the shelter in Laranjeiras do Sul, which houses 34 people, the multidisciplinary team ensures qualified listening and referrals for more complex cases, in conjunction with social services.