World Cup host city Manaus in state of emergency over flood threat
The Brazilian World Cup host city Manaus has declared a state of emergency as the waters of an Amazon tributary swell, though officials say they do not expect it to flood.
Manaus city hall spokeswoman Jacira Oliveira said the 180-day state of emergency that went into effect on Tuesday is a preventive measure to assure swift access to emergency resources if the Rio Negro unexpectedly spills into the city.
She said that even there are floods, they would not damage the Arena Amazonia stadium that will host four games, including England against Italy on 14 June and the United States v Portugal on 22 June.