Five thousand basic food baskets were sent today to the families affected by the drought in the northern Brazilian state of Amazonas.
This is the second phase of the state emergency plan, which intends to benefit 150,000 families with approximately 2.200 tons of food.
During the first phase, October 14-31, 80,000 families were benefited with 1.6 tons of food, according to the government secretary and plan coordinator, José Melo.
"Our structure allows us to put together 15,000 food baskets per day. Starting this weekend, there will be an Army boat, practically every day, going to the interior of the state." Melo said that the operation will be concluded in 30 days.
"Since it started raining again, population isolation has diminished, but the risk of illnesses caused by dirty waters has increased."
However, according to Melo, there is no need to purchase more medications. He says that they already have enough.
In October, 29 tons of medications were sent to the interior of the state of Amazonas, including the sodium hypochlorite, which is used to treat water.
The government decree that declared disaster areas 61 municipalities of Amazonas, published on October 10th, is valid for a 90-day period.
Agência Brasil