Natural Hazards Monitoring - 13 September 2024

Drought

Brazil

On 12 September 2024, the Brazilian Communication Agency (EBC per its acronym in Portuguese) reported that the municipality of Manaus, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, has declared a state of emergency due to the ongoing drought. EBS reports the Rio Negro River is currently below its historical average for this time of year. The emergency situation decree is aimed at facilitating the provision of essential public services to families affected by the drought. In addition, media is reporting more than 360,000 people across the state of Amazonas have been impacted by the drought. The reports are available from: EBC and CNN

Wildfires

Paraguay

On 10 September, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Paraguay (MSPBS per its acronym in Spanish) reported that the wildfires in the Chaco of Paraguay, affecting the regions of Alto Paraguay and Boquerón, have burned around 100 hectares. The MSPBS has deployed medical teams to assist firefighters, military personnel, and volunteers. In Alto Paraguay, medical assistance was provided to 14 workers in the Chovoreca area, while health brigades were sent to Boquerón with ambulances and support vehicles. In addition, media is reporting as of 13 September that respiratory problems are being reported among indigenous communities in the Chaco region affected by the fires and air pollution. The reports are available from: MSBPS and PontaPoraInforma

Hurricane Season 2024

Tropical storm / Cyclone / Hurricane Francine

United States of America (Update)

On 13 September 2024, the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided an update on the impact of Post-Tropical Cyclone Francine in the United States. According to the report, Francine will continue to bring heavy rainfall and pose a risk of flash and urban flooding across the Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley, and the Southeast. As of 13 September, 24 shelters (an increase of 22 since the 12 September report) were opened in Louisiana, housing 573 people. Additionally, in Louisiana, 29 hospitals, 13 nursing homes, and 12 assisted living facilities are operating on generator power, and 263,000 people remain without power (a decrease of 49,858). The report is available from: FEMA