Wildfires rage in the Brazilian Amazon region, and people suffer from smoke and heat

On August 28, 2024, wildfires in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest produced a large amount of smoke, having a serious impact on local people. Large areas of the country, including the Amazon region, the Cerrado savanna, the Pant*** wetland, and the state of São Paulo are all shrouded in smoke.

Fatima Silva, a 60-year-old farmer in the town of Labrea in the state of Amazonas, is deeply suffering. She feels short of breath, has a sore throat, red eyes, and cannot go out on the street. Her grandchildren also have severe coughs and have difficulty sleeping. Traditionally, fires are often used for deforestation and pasture management. Man-made fires are the main cause of wildfires.

Data from the National Institute for Space Research, a federal agency, shows that from January 1 to August 27, there were 53,620 fire points in the Amazon region, an increase of 83% compared to the same period last year. The environmental monitoring system of the State University of Amazonas indicates that on Wednesday, many areas throughout the Amazon region were classified as having “very serious” or “extremely serious” air pollution.

The civil defense department of the state of Amazonas advises people to stay hydrated and stay indoors in case of wildfires and smoke. However, workers such as street vendors and garbage collectors have to go out to work and cannot avoid the smoke. Jessym Aureliana, an epidemiologist and resident of Manaus, said that in this situation, people will inhale more dangerous particles into their lungs. Moreover, the smoke not only affects physical health but also causes anxiety and affects sleep quality. The smoke problem has emerged earlier this year than in previous years, meaning that residents are exposed to toxic smoke for a longer time.

Maria Soledade Barros Silva, a resident of the Ponta Negra community in Manaus, said that the beach by the river nearby is shrouded in thick fog, and navigation on the waterways has also become complicated. Silva, who lives upstream of the Purus River in the town of Labrea, also said that she has never seen such a situation before and called for help because she can no longer live like this.