The Rio Negro, one of the largest rivers in the world, has reached a record low water level due to drought and wildfires in the Amazon. The river, a major tributary of the Amazon River, hit a depth of 12.66 meters on Friday, the shallowest recorded since measurements began in 1902. The dry season is expected to continue through October, further threatening water levels.
The drought has also affected other waterways in the Amazon, leading to an environmental and economic crisis. Climate change is believed to be exacerbating the usual dry-season conditions, leaving riverbeds dry and aquatic animals stranded. The drought is expected to affect over 40 million people living in and around the Amazon who rely on the waterways for transportation, food, and other necessities.
Residents along the Rio Negro, like restaurant owner Erick Santos, have been hit hard by the drought, with businesses suffering and basic food items in short supply. The crisis has also led to the death of freshwater dolphins along riverbanks due to stress from the lack of water. As much as 59% of Brazil is feeling the effects of the drought, making it the most intense and widespread in history.
Scientists and government agencies are monitoring the situation closely, but the persistence of below-average rainfall and man-made fires in the Amazon continue to pose challenges for the region. The drought is a stark reminder of the urgency of addressing climate change and its impact on some of the world’s most vital ecosystems.
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