Water levels in the Amazon Basin rivers are at their lowest on record. The Brazilian Geological Service (SGB) reports that the Madeira River has fallen to just 48cm in Porto Velho. This is much lower than its usual level of 3.32m. The Solimões River is also at a record low.
Brazil’s disaster agency, Cemaden, calls this drought the most intense they have ever seen. It has hit earlier than expected in the dry season, which lasts from June to November.
Reasons for the Drought
Two main factors are driving this drought: climate change and deforestation. Higher temperatures cause more evaporation, which means less water for plants and soil. Additionally, the Amazon is getting less rain than before. Deforestation has made the situation worse. Fewer trees mean less moisture is released back into the air, leading to drier conditions.
Effects on Local Communities
The drought is having severe effects on local people. Many depend on the rivers for drinking water and transport. Some towns have not seen rain for over 150 days. Fishermen are facing challenges, as boats can get stuck on dry land. Access to food and clean water is becoming harder.
Looking Forward
President Lula da Silva has promised to stop deforestation by 2030. However, the current drought highlights the difficulty of this goal. Fires are spreading through the dry forest, threatening the Amazon’s health.
The situation with the Amazon Basin rivers at all-time low is critical. It impacts not only local communities but also global biodiversity and efforts to combat climate change.
