As in Guyana, the neighboring Brazilian state of Amapa is experiencing an intense drought. Since November 1, the federal government has declared a state of public health emergency.
There is an intense drought in Amapa causing numerous fires, the rivers are drying up leading to a scarcity of water resources. Fires are increasing everywhere in the Amazonian state, including around Macapa, the capital of Amapa, the smoke is heavy and affects the population.
A decree declaring a state of public health emergency has been issued for a period of 180 days.
Acting Governor Antônio Teles Junior said: “This decree is a necessary response to reduce the effects of drought and support the population particularly in an increasingly recurring scenario in the Amazon regions.”
Already on October 30, a first public health emergency order had been decreed for 16 municipalities including the border town Oiapoque, particularly affected by the drought and its consequences: the increase in fires and the scarcity of water. A procedure which allows federal resources to be called upon very quickly.
It should be noted that poor air quality has increased the risk of breathing difficulties. Furthermore, the scarcity of certain foods due to drought has also caused nutritional problems for many residents.
Health agencies are mobilized and must carry out surveillance actions and provide for the coordination of actions between federal and government resources.
This drought, which is getting worse from year to year, is attributed to climate change and variations in the Enso, El Niño and La Niña phenomena. Depending on the case, populations must cope with flooding due to coastal erosion or, as is currently the case, to the drying out of the land.
All relief resources are being deployed to deal with this situation which affects a large part of Brazil, in particular the Amazon region.
