Authorities in Buriticupu, a city nestled in the Brazilian Amazon, have declared a state of emergency as massive sinkholes, known locally as "voçoroca," threaten the community. This alarming situation, exacerbated by recent heavy rains, is the culmination of a 30-year-old environmental challenge. The sandy soil composition of the region, coupled with deforestation and ill-planned construction, has rendered the area particularly susceptible to erosion.
The municipality, home to approximately 55,000 residents, faces a profound crisis as about 1,200 people are at risk of losing their homes. Several buildings have already succumbed to these unpredictable sinkholes. The city government has issued an urgent emergency decree to tackle the problem, highlighting the severe escalation of the situation.
“In the space of the last few months, the dimensions have expanded exponentially, approaching substantially closer to the residences” – Buriticupu city government (emergency decree)
The sinkholes are a complex issue that poses significant challenges for local authorities. The unpredictability of their location adds to the danger, as residents live with the constant threat beneath their feet.
“There’s this danger right in front of us, and nobody knows where this hole has been opening up underneath” – Antonia dos Anjos
Buriticupu's longstanding battle with sinkholes can be traced back three decades. The problem has intensified due to human activities such as unregulated construction and deforestation, which have aggravated soil erosion. The term "voçoroca" aptly captures the destructive power of these geological phenomena, derived from an Indigenous word meaning "to tear the earth."
“These problems range from the erosion processes to the removal of people who are in the risk area” – Lucas Conceiçao
The city’s predicament underscores its limited capacity to address the multifaceted nature of these sinkholes. While the local government works tirelessly to mitigate immediate risks, the underlying causes require a longer-term strategy involving environmental conservation and infrastructure planning.
The residents of Buriticupu have been acutely aware of this threat for decades. As they continue to witness these dramatic changes in their environment, their homes and livelihoods hang in the balance.