Amazon fires: Brazil's Pará state declares 120-day emergency amid severe drought

The Brazilian state of Para has declared a 120-day emergency in response to a surge in forest fires within the Amazon basin, exacerbated by a severe drought linked to an intense El Nino climate phenomenon. As of the start of November, over 5,000 fires had been recorded in the state, surpassing the total number of fires during November of the previous year.

Near 700 fires were active within the last two days. This emergency measure aims to restrict the use of fire for clearing pastureland, mobilize additional resources for extinguishing fires and prevent future outbreaks.

The Brazilian Amazon is experiencing the effects of El Nino, which has raised temperatures and led to drought conditions. Experts predict this year's El Nino to be the most powerful ever recorded. In Para state, with a population of 8.7 million, the drought is particularly severe, and the dry vegetation has further facilitated the spread of fires, posing significant threats to populations, forests, and economic activities.

The state government has noted the risks to public health, as smoke from numerous fires is nearing urban areas.

Manaus, a city located in the neighboring state of Amazonas, suspended classes in early October due to the health hazards posed by smoke from hundreds of fires burning in the vicinity. The Amazon rainforest, the world's largest tropical forest, plays a crucial role in mitigating global warming, underscoring the importance of its conservation. In 2024, the Brazilian Amazon set a record for the number of forest fires. This year is anticipated to be even more severe, with the peak of the El Nino expected in December.