September 27, 2023
10:09
Adrisa De Góes – From Cenarium Amazon Magazine
MANAUS (AM) – The government of Amazonas and the federal government will create a task force to bring humanitarian aid to municipalities affected by the drought in Amazonas. The information was confirmed by the governor of the state, Wilson Lima, on Tuesday, 26, after a meeting with ministers in Brasília (DF).
On social media, he posted a video alongside the Minister for Integration and Regional Development, Waldez Góes, and the Minister for the Environment, Marina Silva, who also took part in the discussions. The meeting also discussed the problem of fires in Amazonas.
“We met to discuss the need to bring humanitarian aid to people who are more isolated, more distant and who need basic food baskets, drinking water and other actions, both from the state and from the municipalities and the federal government (…) We are going to create a task force, in partnership with the federal government”, said Wilson Lima.
Watch: 2023 drought could be a record in Amazonas
Among the actions planned for the task force to help the state and municipalities in the most affected cities are logistical support, access to federal social programs and the release of parliamentary amendments.
Integration
Minister Waldez Góes said that the mobilization between governments will involve a number of ministries. According to him, in addition to immediate actions, the measures will also define medium and long-term policies.
“We have been authorized by President Lula to form this task force, which involves dozens of ministries, so that, as a priority, we can help ensure that food, medicine and water reach the most diverse municipalities in Amazonas, but also so that we can work on more structural policies”, said the Minister of Integration and Regional Development.
Fires
The Ministry of the Environment has guaranteed that it will intensify the fight against fires and reinforce the work of military firefighters and brigade members who are already working in the state, especially in the southern region of Amazonas, where fires are most common.
“We have a situation that is being enhanced. We have the El Niño phenomenon and climate change, which is caused by CO² emissions. In Brazil, the largest amount of emissions comes from deforestation. So working against fires and deforestation is helping to prevent these droughts from continuing”, said Marina Silva.
Shortages
By the end of October, around 500,000 people could be short of water and food due to the drought in the rivers of Amazonas. This is because at least 95% of the state’s municipalities, which use river navigation as their main means of transportation, are already affected to some degree by one of the region’s most severe droughts.
Of the 62 cities, 14 are in a state of emergency, according to Civil Defense. The region comprises the Juruá, Médio and Alto Solimões rivers, which have a total population of more than 413,000 inhabitants. The agency also monitors 15 municipalities on alert and 30 on alert. Only three are within the normal range.
Read more: Drought in the rivers of Amazonas could leave 500,000 people without food and water
Edited by Jefferson Ramos
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