Revealed from the depths

Revealed from the depths

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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.

. 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.

. 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.

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Slideshow

Trees rise out of the Jaguari reservoir.
. IGARATA, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Trees rise out of the Jaguari reservoir.

The walls of the old school stand in the water.
. IGARATA, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

The walls of the old school stand in the water.

Houses are seen next to the reservoir.
. IGARATA, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Houses are seen next to the reservoir.

The broken stairs of a house and a swan float are seen next to a landslide.
. IGARATA, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

The broken stairs of a house and a swan float are seen next to a landslide.

Tata, a former resident of Igarata, stands in his boat.
. IGARATA, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Tata, a former resident of Igarata, stands in his boat.

Irene De Almeida points to the city's church in an old photograph.
. IGARATA, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Irene De Almeida points to the city's church in an old photograph.

Former resident, Piche, 62, holds a brick of the old city.
. IGARATA, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

Former resident, Piche, 62, holds a brick of the old city.

A brick tank for washing clothes stands in front of the reservoir.
. IGARATA, Brazil. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

A brick tank for washing clothes stands in front of the reservoir.