Lula: Brazil Prepared for El Niño Effects, Criticizes Previous Administration

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced that the federal government is fully prepared to respond to the potential effects of El Niño, a meteorological phenomenon known for altering rainfall patterns. "We know that nature is often uncontrollable, but we are prepared, structured with everything that is necessary to face a crisis caused by El Niño," Lula said in an interview with Rede Amazônica.

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We know that nature is often uncontrollable, but we are prepared, structured with everything that is necessary to face a crisis caused by El Niño.

Lula also took the opportunity to criticize the previous administration, led by former President Jair Bolsonaro, for dismantling government structures. "When we came into power [in 2023], we were not prepared because the government had been dismantled," he stated. This lack of preparedness is particularly concerning given El Niño's potential to cause severe droughts in the Amazon region, which can lower the Amazon River's level, disrupt river navigation, and isolate cities like Manaus.

The government is actively working on measures to combat the effects of El Niño. Supreme Federal Court Justice Flávio Dino has directed the Lula administration and Amazonian states to report on their ongoing efforts to prevent and contain forest fires. Experts predict El Niño could begin by July and last until February 2027, potentially increasing summer temperatures across Brazil.

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When we came into power [in 2023], we were not prepared because the government had been dismantled.

In the same interview, Lula highlighted efforts to advance the BR-319 highway project, which connects Manaus to Porto Velho. While acknowledging environmental concerns raised by critics regarding potential deforestation, he assured that the project would proceed with environmental care. Lula emphasized the importance of land-based connectivity for Amazonian cities, stating, "It makes no sense for cities not to be able to communicate, to depend on the river which, when it dries up, does not allow for the necessary transport."

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It makes no sense for cities not to be able to communicate, to depend on the river which, when it dries up, does not allow for the necessary transport.