In 1969 the town of Igarata was submerged beneath a reservoir, the victim of a hydroelectric project to provide power to the surrounding area.
Now, as Brazil experiences its worst drought in 80 years, water levels in the Jaguari River have fallen 30 meters and the once sunken town is re-emerging from the depths.
4 Feb 2015 . IGARATA, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce
Around 2,000 people were evicted from the town and as local landmarks re-emerge, many former residents are visiting the ruins to explore their old home.
“Life here was very difficult, but it was also very cozy and enjoyable," said Irene de Almeida, 65, as she contemplated a square in front of the church where she said a band used to play.
"We were born, we suffered and we grew up here,” said de Almeida.
4 Feb 2015 . IGARATA, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce
For metallurgist Luis Carlos, the re-emergence of the ruins is indicative of the severity of the situation the area is facing.
"What we are seeing here is very sad, the water is so low … We do not know when this is going to go back to normal,” said Carlos.
In Sao Paulo, authorities have already lowered water pressure for up to 18 hours a day, prompting many residents to stockpile bottled water.
Some apartment complexes are expanding water storage capacity in preparation for rationing.