Brazil: Emergency Declared in Buriticupu as Sinkholes Threaten Homes

Authorities have declared a state of emergency in Buriticupu, Brazil, after significant sinkholes have emerged, endangering approximately 1,200 residents, The Guardian reported. The city, with a population of 55,000, has witnessed escalating soil erosion over the past 30 years, exacerbated by heavy rains, deforestation, and poorly planned construction.

Recent reports indicate that several buildings have already collapsed as the sinkholes expand rapidly. An emergency decree highlighted the alarming proximity of these erosions to residential areas. Marcelino Farias, a geographer at the Federal University of Maranhão, noted that the situation worsens during periods of intense rainfall.

Local resident Antonia dos Anjos expressed her concerns, stating, “There’s this danger right in front of us.” Lucas Conceição, the city’s public works secretary, acknowledged the municipality’s inability to address the complex situation, emphasizing the need for urgent solutions to protect vulnerable residents from further risks.