AMAPÁ, BRAZIL — The municipality of Tartarugalzinho in Amapá state declared a state of emergency on Friday (2) due to a severe drought that has affected the region for the fourth consecutive year.

The dry spell has lowered river levels and caused fish deaths, mainly affecting fishermen, family farmers and rural producers. In the communities of Lago Novo and Terra Firme, residents are also facing transportation difficulties due to reduced water levels.

In the Tartarugalzinho River, one of the municipality's main rivers, some stretches have little water and large areas of exposed sand. According to the Municipal Civil Defense, the drought began to intensify earlier this year. In previous periods, the most severe effects usually occurred between late October and early November.

The decree seeks to facilitate access to resources and support from state and federal governments to assist the most affected areas. A task force made up of the Civil Defense, Fire Department and Municipal Department of Social Assistance was created to operate in the municipality.

According to Civil Defense Colonel Roberto da Costa, the shortage of water resources is already affecting fishing, agriculture, fish farming and water supplies from wells.

Amazon Agency