By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.
I agree
Search Trends
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
SITEMAP
Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
The river port in Manaus, the largest city in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, hit its lowest water level since 1902 on Friday, as a drought drains waterways and snarls transport of grain exports and essential supplies that are the region's lifeline. The river port is located on the Rio Negro river, the largest left tributary of the Amazon River.
On Friday, the Port of Manaus measured the water level on the Rio Negro river at 12.66 meters, according to its website. The measurement surpasses the previous all-time low recorded last year.
"This is now the most severe drought in over 120 years of measurement at the Port of Manaus," said Valmir Mendonca, the port's head of operations. He predicted the water level is likely to keep falling for another week or two.
Below-average rainfall – even through the rainy season – has plagued the Amazon and much of South America since last year, also feeding the worst wildfires in more than a decade in Brazil and Bolivia. Researchers say climate change is the main cause.
Scientists predict the Amazon region may not fully recover moisture levels until 2026.
Last year, the drought became a humanitarian crisis as people reliant on rivers were stranded without food, water or medicine.
This year, authorities are already on alert. In the hard-hit Amazonas state, at least 62 municipalities are under the state of emergency with more than half a million people affected, according to the state's civil defense corps.
With the region never fully recovering due to weaker-than-usual seasonal rains, much of the impact from last year's drought looks set to repeat or reach new extremes.
(Cover is a screenshot.)