Rulian Dias Amaral Saved His Pregnant Wife With a Refrigerator

A Flood Changed Everything

On the night of March 22, 2024, catastrophic flash floods swept through Mimoso do Sul, in Brazil’s Espírito Santo state. Torrential rain caused rivers to overflow within minutes, destroying homes, killing at least 19 people, and displacing thousands.

Among those caught in the disaster were 20-year-old Rulian Dias Amaral and his 18-year-old wife, Elivanda, who was eight months pregnant with their first child.

A Desperate Plan to Stay Alive

Before returning home, Rulian had already risked his life by rescuing an older bedridden neighbour.

When he reached his house, floodwaters had risen so quickly that they were nearly trapped. The only object still floating inside was their refrigerator.

Although Elivanda feared it would sink, Rulian placed her inside the refrigerator, pushed it through a window into the raging floodwaters, and swam beside it. Using one hand to battle the powerful current and the other to steady the floating appliance, he guided his wife through streets that were completely underwater.

At one point, the refrigerator tipped over, throwing Elivanda into the flood. Thankfully, the couple managed to reach a terrace, where they clung to safety for six hours until firefighters rescued them by boat at around 9 a.m.

A Happy Ending After the Disaster

The couple lost nearly everything they owned, including the baby clothes they had prepared for their daughter.

However, just one month later, their daughter, Maria Cecília, was born healthy.

When she celebrated her first birthday in 2025, her parents chose Noah’s Ark as the party theme. They even included a refrigerator in the decorations to honour the object that had helped save their lives.

Reflecting on the experience, Elivanda said, “Our ark was a fridge. It’s a theme about salvation. And that has everything to do with our story.”

A Story of Courage and Love

Rulian Dias Amaral’s quick thinking and determination turned an ordinary household appliance into a lifesaving raft. His actions not only saved his pregnant wife but also helped ensure that their daughter would live to celebrate her first birthday.

What do you think of Rulian Dias Amaral’s incredible act of courage? Could you have thought of such a solution in that terrifying moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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