Brasilia: With less than 50 days left for the Olympics, the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has declared a financial emergency.
According to the Interim Governor Francisco Dornelles, the "serious economic crisis" threatens to stop the state from honouring commitments for the games, as per a report by BBC.
In a decree, Dornelles said there is a possibility of "total collapse" in public services, such as security, health and education, as the state is facing "public calamity".
For damage control, "exceptional measures" will be taken ahead of the Olympics which is slated to start on August 5, that could impact "all essential public services", he said.
The state has projected a budget deficit of $5.5 billion for this year.
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 pensioners are owed wages in arrears. Hospitals and police stations have been severely affected.
