Residents of Porto Velho in the Brazilian Amazon are facing a health crisis as thick smoke from forest fires shrouds the city. PM2.5 levels reached 11 times the WHO limit, causing respiratory issues and other health problems.
Illegal fires, often started by farmers, are believed to be one cause of the disaster. Rondonia state has asked the public to report any illegal fires. The Amazon as a whole has experienced a record number of fires, with 42,000 incidents since January.
Smog envelops Porto Velho
The city’s location in the center of the continent means smoke from fires in Bolivia and neighboring states lingers longer. Residents, including children and the elderly, are experiencing respiratory issues and other health concerns.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged to combat illegal deforestation by 2030 to address the root cause of the fires. Meanwhile, the situation in Porto Velho remains critical, with residents struggling to breathe amidst the ongoing crisis.
[ad_2]
Source link