Buriticupu, a city in the northeastern Brazilian Amazon, is facing an escalating crisis as massive sinkholes threaten homes and infrastructure. In recent weeks, the situation has worsened, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency. With around 1,200 residents at immediate risk, concerns over the city’s safety continue to rise.
Sinkholes Widen, Destroying Buildings
The sinkholes, known in Brazil as “vocorocas,” have significantly expanded over the past few months, drawing dangerously close to residential areas. According to an emergency decree issued by the municipal government, multiple structures have already collapsed, leaving residents in fear of further devastation.
Decades-Long Issue Worsened by Heavy Rainfall
The erosion problem in Buriticupu has been developing over the last 30 years. Experts attribute the crisis to the region’s sandy soil composition, deforestation, and unplanned construction. The situation worsens during heavy rainfall, as water infiltration accelerates soil erosion.
Residents Fear the Unseen Danger Below
Longtime resident Antonia dos Anjos, 65, expressed her deep concerns, stating, “There’s this danger right in front of us, and nobody knows where the next hole might open.”
City Officials Struggle to Find Solutions
Lucas Conceicao, Buriticupu’s secretary of public works and an engineer, acknowledged the city’s limited ability to address the complex issue. “The challenges range from controlling the erosion to relocating residents in high-risk zones,” he explained.
With the situation deteriorating, residents and authorities alike are urgently seeking solutions to prevent further destruction and displacement.
