Madeira River flooding displaced thousands in Rondônia, Brazil

In Rondônia, Brazil, the Madeira River's rising waters have impacted nearly 9,000 people. Approximately 2,700 families have evacuated from 36 communities in the Nazaré district of Porto Velho. Authorities have created a task force to provide aid. The river level in Porto Velho reached 16.73 meters on April 4th, nearing the 17-meter flood stage. Forecasts predict rainfall in the area until April 15th. Officials do not anticipate the severe flooding seen in 2014 and 2019. Schools in Santa Luzia do Oeste are closed indefinitely. The BR-425 highway, connecting Porto Velho and Guajará-Mirim on the Bolivian border, is flooded. Aid efforts, including donations, are underway by local university.