Alagoas faces unsafe beach waters and heavy rain warnings

The Instituto do Meio Ambiente de Alagoas (IMA) released its latest balneability bulletin, indicating that 12 of the 20 monitored beach sections in Maceió are unsuitable for bathing, representing 60% of the areas evaluated. Across the state's coastline, 22 of 68 sampled points showed water quality below safety standards, with the most critical conditions reported between Praia da Avenida and the Sobral neighbourhood, where algal blooms pose health risks.

The State Secretariat for the Environment and Water Resources (Semarh) has issued a state of attention through Saturday night due to forecasts of intense, persistent rain in eastern Alagoas. Authorities warn of potential urban flooding in poorly drained areas and landslides on slopes in the coastal zone, Zona da Mata, and Baixo São Francisco. No imminent overflow of major rivers or lakes is expected, and conditions are projected to improve by Sunday.