This is the moment several thirsty monkeys desperately try to get a drop of water from a public tap during the worst drought in the region in nearly a century.

Half the water sources for the municipality of Pocos de Caldas in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais are running dry as the region suffers its worst drought in 91 years, according to the Municipal Department of Water and Sewage (DMAE).

DMAE added that Pocos de Caldas (population 168,641) has not registered heavy rain for over six months, leaving 10 of the 20 water sources in the area running dry.

As seen in the footage, the situation is also affecting local wildlife after several monkeys were filmed desperately trying to get water from a public tap in Fonte dos Amores, a tourist nature spot.

DMAE official Ana Maria Ferreira said: “This situation is due to the prolonged drought, as we have been without heavy rain for over six months that usually keeps these supplies full throughout the period.

“This has not happened here in our region for a long time, and we can only do what we have already done, which is clean up the catchment areas, monitor the surrounding areas, and clean up the area around the forest itself.”

Ferreira added: “Unfortunately, what we need right now is rain.”

DMAE said water supplies started to dwindle over a month ago and are receding every day, adding that it has been lightly raining in recent days, but the water is immediately being absorbed by the dry soil.

The department continues to carry out routine monitoring.