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Manaus faces severe air pollution and smoke from regional wildfires
Manaus is facing a severe public health crisis due to extreme air pollution caused by widespread wildfires in the Amazonas state. For several consecutive days, the city has been covered by a dense layer of smoke, which NASA satellite imagery has confirmed extends across large portions of the region.
Monitoring systems, including the Selva platform from the State University of Amazonas (UEA), have recorded hazardous levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). In some areas, concentrations have exceeded 200 µg/m³, with some reports indicating levels as high as 344.5 µg/m³. These levels are classified as ‘péssima’ (terrible) or ‘insalubre’ (unhealthy) on official scales.
In response to the deteriorating conditions, authorities have taken several emergency measures. The municipal government suspended classes in the public school network and halted in-person activities in municipal administrative offices. The Federal University of Amazonas (Ufam) also suspended in-person academic and administrative activities. Additionally, the Amazonense Football Federation postponed several youth matches, and local sports clubs canceled scheduled events to protect participants from smoke exposure.
The Civil Defense has issued severe risk alerts via mobile phones, advising residents—particularly vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and pregnant women—to avoid outdoor activities, use PFF2 or N95 masks, and increase hydration. Health authorities have already noted an increase in emergency medical visits related to respiratory issues, including coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation.
Entities
Amazonas · Amom Mandel · Defesa Civil · Defesa Civil de Manaus · Defesa Civil do Amazonas · Fundo Amazônia · IQAir · Itacoatiara · Manaus · NASA · UFAM · Universidade Federal do Amazonas
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 11 SOURCES] Manaus was ranked as the most polluted city in Brazil according to IQAir data. amazonianarede.com.br · br.paipee.com · paraonline.com.br · portalesportemanaus.com.br · portalrbn.com.br · +2 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] The smoke is caused by fires in the Metropolitan Region, primarily originating from the municipality of Itacoatiara. amazonianarede.com.br · br.paipee.com · paraonline.com.br · plantao24horasnews.com.br · ac24horas.com · +3 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] Pollutant levels reached up to 305.3 µg/m³ in the Compensa and Petrópolis neighborhoods. marioadolfo.com · portaltucuma.com.br
- [● 10 SOURCES] The air quality in Manaus was classified as ‘péssima’ (terrible), the worst level on the measurement scale. br.paipee.com · paraonline.com.br · portalesportemanaus.com.br · portalrbn.com.br · marioadolfo.com · +4 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] Manaus recorded its worst air quality index of the year, with fine particle concentrations 71% higher than the previous record. diaadianoticia.com.br
- [● 4 SOURCES] Satellite imagery shows an extensive layer of smoke covering Manaus and parts of the Amazonas state. diaadianoticia.com.br · plantao24horasnews.com.br · portaltucuma.com.br · emtempo.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Federal Deputy Amom Mandel filed Information Request No. 2184/2026 to question the use of Amazon Fund resources.
- [● 9 SOURCES] Ufam also suspended in-person academic and administrative activities in all shifts. paraonline.com.br · portalrbn.com.br · ac24horas.com · omaringa.com.br · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · +4 more
- [● 12 SOURCES] The Civil Defense issued severe risk alerts to residents via mobile phones. br.paipee.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · paranaempresarial.com.br · paraonline.com.br · news.folhadoprogresso.com.br · +6 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Amazonas Military Fire Brigade acted on 16,470 fire outbreaks from July 1 to September 23. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Amazonense Football Federation suspended Sub-14 championship matches due to air quality. portalesportemanaus.com.br
- [● 12 SOURCES] The municipal education department decided to suspend classes in the municipal network. br.paipee.com · paraonline.com.br · portalrbn.com.br · www.tvn-2.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · +7 more