Status: 02.06.2021 11:58 a.m.
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In Brazil, almost the entire state of Amazonas is under water after rainfall. The metropolis of Manaus is particularly affected. The water is expected to continue to rise.
The rivers around the Brazilian Amazon metropolis of Manaus have reached record levels after heavy rain and caused severe flooding. The Rio Negro, which flows into the Amazon near Manaus, had the highest water level since 1902 at 29.98 meters, according to the news portal “G1”.
During the historic flood of 2012, the river had risen to 29.97 meters. The height for “serious flooding” is 29 meters. It is expected that the water will continue to rise – meteorologists expect water levels of more than 30 meters. The flood could then subside again from next week.
Almost the entire state was affected
The flood caused floods in almost the entire state of Amazonas, which is about four and a half times the size of Germany. It caused damage in almost 60 of 62 communities, affecting more than 450,000 people. The Amazon also peaked in cities like Itacoatiara.
The metropolis of Manaus is the capital of the state.
Image: AFP
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Parts of Manaus evacuated
In Manaus, more than 24,000 families and 15 districts are affected, and many people have had to leave their homes. In total, more than 9,000 meters of wooden bridges, the so-called marombas, were built in the most heavily flooded areas.
Parts of the port area and the historical center of Manaus are under water. The water seeped into shops and flooded the main market, and the sellers were taken away in boats. According to “G1”, the river is said to have washed fish into the kitchen of some residents who persevered.
The residents move across improvised wooden bridges
Build: AP
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As the newspaper “Folha de S. Paulo” reported, floods are increasing in the region, which is mainly due to climate change. “In less than three years, an event that should only occur every 50 years is repeated,” Luna Gripp of the Brazilian Geological Survey told the newspaper. A total of six of the ten record floods occurred in the metropolis of Manaus in the past 20 years.
Brazil – Record flooding in the Amazon
Anne Herrberg, ARD Buenos Aires, June 2nd, 2021 2:59 p.m.
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