On Sunday, residents of the Bailique district in Macapá, Amapá, Brazil, observed and recorded the death of numerous fish species in the Igarapé Grande river. A video shared by the community highlights this alarming environmental incident, with fish floating lifelessly on the water's surface. The affected communities include Vila Maranata, Vila Equador, Monte Carlos, Boa Esperança, Filadélfia, and Campos do Jordão, indicating a widespread issue rather than an isolated occurrence.

Jaciléia Maciel, a local teacher from Vila Maranata, expressed her concerns, noting that the mortality isn't limited to one type of fish but spans across various species, including pescada, bagre (catfish), raia (rays), piaba, and sardas. She speculated that heavy rain, along with decaying leaves and branches, could be contributing to the problem, as the smell from the river has become unbearable. The situation has invoked fear among families in the region regarding both the environmental health of the river and the potential dangers posed to their well-being.

In addition to the fish deaths, residents report that water quality has deteriorated significantly, adversely impacting their health. The river serves as a primary water source for daily activities such as washing clothes and brushing teeth, thereby heightening the risk of waterborne diseases. Local families are calling for urgent action to address this ecological crisis and safeguard their health, emphasizing the critical need for clean water in the community.