Bahia drought and fires trigger emergency in 88 municipalities

Eighty-eight municipalities in the state of Bahia, Brazil, have declared states of emergency due to severe drought and forest fires. To address the crisis, the Union of Municipalities of Bahia (UPB) met with representatives from the National and State Civil Defense and the Fire Department to coordinate prevention and response efforts.

The meeting focused on the anticipated impact of El Niño, which is expected to cause prolonged dry periods and increased fire risks over the next 120 days. UPB President Wilson Cardoso emphasized the need for a targeted approach, proposing that resources be prioritized for municipalities with lower financial capacity and higher vulnerability.

To combat water shortages, approximately 600 water trucks are currently operating in the state. Authorities are evaluating measures to support local governments in renting additional water trucks and purchasing fuel. For fire suppression, the state is considering the mobilization of aircraft, military personnel, and firefighters from other states. Discussions also included the need to involve the energy utility Neoenergia Coelba and the importance of protecting small rural producers from losing livestock and livelihoods.