The Rio Negro, a major tributary of the Amazon River, has reached a record low water level of 12.66 meters amid severe drought and wildfires in Brazil. The shallowest depth recorded since measurements began in 1902, experts fear the water levels could continue to drop as the dry season extends through October. This unprecedented drought has led to devastating environmental and economic impacts, with riverbeds drying up, boats stranded, and aquatic animals becoming beached. Residents in the Amazon region, who rely on the waterways for drinking, transportation, and food, are facing a humanitarian crisis as businesses struggle and basic food supplies become scarce.
The effects of the drought extend beyond the Rio Negro, with other Amazonian tributaries experiencing historically low water levels, threatening the livelihoods of more than 40 million people in the region. Freshwater dolphins have been found dead along riverbanks due to the stress caused by the water shortage. The situation is compounded by below-average rainfall and man-made fires that have devastated the Amazon rainforest, affecting 59% of Brazil. Researchers warn that this drought is the most intense and widespread in the country’s history, with climate change exacerbating the already harsh dry-season conditions.
As Brazil grapples with the far-reaching impacts of this record-breaking drought, efforts are being made to address the crisis and support the communities affected by the unprecedented environmental challenges in the Amazon region.
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