The city administration of Santarém, located in the western part of Pará, Brazil, has issued a state of emergency for the Arapemã quilombo. This decision was made in response to advancing erosion along the riverbank, which poses an increasing threat to the community's wooden homes. The Coordinating Municipal Civil Defense conducted technical visits and established monitoring protocols, confirming the dire nature of the situation.

The erosion in the Arapemã quilombo is described as a natural phenomenon where the river dynamics lead to the gradual wearing away of both the riverbanks and riverbed. With approximately 100 families residing in this vulnerable area, many depend on programs like Bolsa Família and traditional fishing for their livelihoods. The increasing risk brought on by erosion not only threatens their homes but also the economic stability of the community.

Darlisson Maia, the municipal coordinator of Civil Defense, highlighted that this environmental issue is linked to broader watercourse dynamics. As the erosion processes continue to escalate, it is imperative that local authorities and the community work together to implement immediate safety measures and consider long-term solutions to mitigate these risks for the future.