The host city for England’s first game of the World Cup in Brazil has declared a 180-day state of emergency because of flood risks.
Officials declared a state of emergency for Manaus yesterday as waters began to swell on parts of the Amazon, the Telegraph reported.
Jacaira Oliveira, a spokeswoman for city hall, said it was just a preventative measure to make sure emergency resources could be accessed if needed, but that she did not expect the Rio Negro tributary to flood into the city.
Oliveira said flooding would not affect the Arena Amazonia stadium, which will host four games including England’s first World Cup match against Italy.