VIDEO: Dry river and riverside dwellers walk more than 1 km to fetch water from the Lower Rio Branco

Roraima is facing a period of drought, worsened by the effects of El Niño, a climate phenomenon that causes a reduction in rainfall in the North Region, which contributes to a drop in river levels.

The drought affects approximately 60 residents who live in Panacarica. In the images, the resident shows a hose that leaves the community and continues to the area where there is still water. The structure is used to supply homes.

According to the report, residents need to go to the water collection point, about 1 km away, to fetch water and carry out basic activities, such as taking a shower and washing dishes.

In a statement, Caracaraí City Hall reported that the drought began earlier and reduced river levels more quickly than expected, which compromised the service schedule for rural and riverside communities.

According to the National Center for Natural Disaster Monitoring and Alerts (Cemaden), 11 of the 14 municipalities in Roraima have been facing a severe drought since September 2026. Four municipalities have already declared an emergency situation. One of the decrees was recognized by the National Civil Defense. In Boa Vista, the level of the Rio Branco is also close to zero.

Also according to Caracaraí city hall, teams have already served producers in the regions of Cujubim, Monte Sinai and Vila São José, with guidance on water storage and fire prevention. Six inspections were also carried out on local roads and 18 environmental inspection actions in 17 locations in the municipality.

The city hall also informed that, in partnership with the Fire Department, it organized support points for firefighting teams. As a next measure, it foresees technical visits to Baixo Rio Branco and Catrimani to identify affected families and assess the need to distribute drinking water, food and other essential items.

The management also prepares the Municipal Contingency Plan for the 2026/2027 Drought and intends to gather information to support a possible emergency situation decree.