Levels of the river acre in Rio Branco in Brazil have started to show some signs of falling. As of 17:00 local time, 05 March 2015, the river stood at 18.22 metres, dropping from 18.40 metres the day before.
But for local authorities – city and state government, and state civil defense – the work continues to house and feed the 10,449 displaced by the floods.
Around 26 shelters have been set up to house the flood victims. Working with the authorities are at least 2,000 volunteers. Between them they manage to serve around 29,500 meals each day.
Work is being carried out to aid flood victims who still remain in their homes. As many as 550 personnel are working to help remove families from flooded areas. 250 vehicles and 110 boats have been mobilized to help operations.
Although levels of the acre river are falling slowly, as many as 900 streets across 53 districts (bairros) in Rio Branco are under water. The floods may well take some time to recede.
City mayor, Marcus Alexander, has said team will continue working until the flood waters have receded. He said:
“We have to keep mobilized, providing assistance to families who were affected by the waters of the river Acre, both which are in public and community shelters, as well as those who remained in their homes…we are making every effort.”
The city’s government estimate that the floods have caused R$30 million ($10 million) in losses and damage. Several bridges in the city have been damaged.
Some media reports say that at least 2 people have died in the flooding. Both were electrocuted whilst returning to flooded buildings.
Floods in Acre State
Other areas of Acre state, outside the capital Rio Branco, have been affected by the floods.
In Porto Acre, located around 60 kilometers from the capital, floods from the overflowing river Acre have displaced at least 30 families. A state of emergency has been declared by the local government there.
In Sena Madureira, the Iaco River overflowed last week, forcing 96 families from their homes. Levels of the river have since started to fall slightly.
The level of the Madeira River in Abunã region, however, has risen slightly to 21.86 meters, according to the government of Acre state.
