Forty municipalities under emergency after floods in Amazonas state

Forty municipalities in Amazonas, North Brazil, have declared an emergency following the floods that have hit most of the state. Another 15 locations are in a state of alert, the authorities reported.

As per the latest official data, almost 535 thousand people have been affected throughout the state, and the meteorological forecast for the next few days is for heavy rainfall, with a yellow alert for potential danger of flooding in the northern and central regions of Amazonas as well as the lower Amazon river.

The rains have led the main rivers in the region to rise, but geological experts believe the basins have begun a trend of stability and slight descent.

“In [state capital] Manaus, the Negro river is stagnant with small oscillations. However, levels are above normal for July,” the report released Tuesday (Jul. 8) reads. Manaus is the state’s largest city.