Porto Velho, Rondonia State, Brazil - Recent

Wildfires exacerbated by a severe drought in the northwestern state of Rondonia, have devastated Brazil for over two months, seriously affecting the daily lives of local residents.

Located in the southwest Amazon, Rondonia is among the earliest and longest hit regions by the wildfires. In Porto Velho, the capital and largest city of the state, smoke has blanketed the streets, posing serious health risks due to heavy air pollution.

Currently, wildfires continue to rage in Rondonia, with vast forests and grasslands burnt. However, fires are not the only trouble.

The severe drought has caused the Madeira River, the state's largest river, major water source and a crucial water transport route, to drop to a record low of 48 centimeters.

Shotlist:
Porto Velho, Rondonia State, Brazil - Recent:
1. Various of smoke blanketed city, roads;
2. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) resident, Porto Velho (name not given):
"The smoke is terrible, and the air is polluted. Many people are suffering from respiratory diseases and have been hospitalized. And it is getting worse.";
3. Aerial shot of wildfire;
4. Various of burnt forest, grassland, plants;
5. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Nivaldo Ribeiro, general commander, Fire Department, Rondonia:
"Now, 26 cities in the state are in an emergency condition. The states will receive aid from the federal government. Besides the wildfires, we are also facing another crisis, the water resource crisis.";
6. Various of Madeira River, bridge, boats, water level signs, people walking on bank;
7. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Camila, resident, Porto Velho:
"We cannot travel on the river now. My family lives downstream, but we cannot go back, as the river is drying up and we cannot use boats, not even canoes. There are many shoals in the river, making it very dangerous. Commuting to school is also difficult, and many children living by the river are facing problems going to school. That is what is happening.";
8. Bridge, water level sign;
9. Various of stranded boats.

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