Just seven weeks before the opening ceremony of the Olympics, the governor of Rio de Janeiro has declared a "state of calamity¹."

 

距离巴西奥运会开幕只剩7周，而巴西里约热内卢州州长却宣布进入“公共灾难状态”。

 

Interim² Governor Francisco Dornelles says the "serious economic crisis" threatens to stop the state from honouring commitments for the Games.

 

Most public funding for the Olympics has come from Rio's city government, but the state is responsible for areas such as transport and policing.

 

Interim President Michel Temer has promised significant financial help.

 

The governor has blamed the crisis on a tax shortfall, especially from the oil industry, while Brazil overall has faced a deep recession.

 

The measure could accelerate the release of federal emergency funds.

 

Rio state employees and pensioners³ are owed wages in arrears⁴. Hospitals and police stations have been severely⁵ affected⁶.

 

In a decree, Mr Dornelles said the state faced "public calamity" that could lead to a "total collapse⁷" in public services, such as security, health and education.

 

Rio's mayor Eduardo Paes said on Twitter the state's decision "in no way delays the delivery of Olympic projects and the promises assumed by the city of Rio".

 

There are also concerns over an outbreak of the Zika virus, which has been linked to birth defects, and the impact it could have on the city's tourism.

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