World · Latin America · 5 hrs ago
Ceará declares emergency in 65 cities over El Niño drought risks
The government of Ceará declared an emergency in 65 cities in northeastern Brazil because of risks linked to El Niño.
The decree, signed by Governor Elmano de Freitas, is valid for 180 days.
Officials cited forecasts of less rain and hotter conditions, which could worsen drought and dry out the soil.
These changes could threaten water supplies and agricultural production across the state.
The declaration is based on technical assessments by state weather, civil defence and water-security bodies, with particular concern about the 2027 rainy season.
State agencies will monitor weather and water conditions, identify vulnerable communities and coordinate support with city governments.
The state weather agency will keep tracking conditions, and more cities could be added by a new decree if studies show it is needed.
Ceará declared a state of emergency in 65 municipalities because of risks linked to El Niño and possible drought.
The measure was formalized by Governor Elmano de Freitas on November 13 and is valid for 180 days.
Authorities cite risks including reduced rainfall, water shortages, forest fires and harm to agricultural production.
The state plans to step up weather and water monitoring, prepare emergency responses and coordinate support with municipalities.
Funceme says El Niño is in the Very Strong category and could contribute to unfavorable conditions during the 2027 rainy season.
- Who
- The government of Ceará, led by Governor Elmano de Freitas, declared the emergency.
- What
- A state of emergency was declared in 65 municipalities for 180 days because of climate and drought risks linked to El Niño.
- When
- The decree was published on November 13, 2026.
- Where
- Ceará, Brazil.
- Why
- Authorities cited the risk of reduced rainfall, worsening drought, water shortages and impacts on agriculture.
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Funceme issued a technical note saying El Niño was in the Very Strong category, with temperature anomalies above 2.4 °C in the Equatorial Pacific.
Governor Elmano de Freitas said he had requested federal lawmakers’ support to prepare for a possible intense drought in 2027.
The state published the emergency decree covering 65 municipalities for 180 days.
- Municipalities covered
- 65
- Decree
- No. 37.608
- Validity
- 180 days
- Governor
- Elmano de Freitas
- El Niño classification
- Very Strong; temperature anomalies above 2.4 °C in the Equatorial Pacific
- Potential drought period
- 2027 rainy season