In an unprecedented event, the river port in Manaus, the largest city nestled within Brazil's Amazon rainforest, has hit its lowest water level since records began in 1902! 🚤🌴
On Friday, the Port of Manaus measured the Rio Negro river's water level at a startling 12.66 meters, according to its official website. This not only breaks but surpasses last year's all-time low, setting a new record that has locals and experts alike deeply concerned.
\"This is now the most severe drought in over 120 years of measurement at the Port of Manaus,\" said Valmir Mendonça, the port's head of operations. He predicts that the water level might continue to drop for another week or two. 🔍📉
The drought isn't just numbers on a chart; it's affecting real lives. The Amazon and much of South America have been plagued by below-average rainfall since last year, fueling the worst wildfires in over a decade in Brazil and Bolivia. 🔥🌲 Scientists are pointing fingers at climate change as the main culprit. 🌍💔
Researchers are predicting that the Amazon region may not fully recover its moisture levels until 2026. 😓 That's like waiting for the next World Cup… twice! ⚽🏆
Last year, the drought turned into a humanitarian crisis, leaving communities reliant on the rivers stranded without food, water, or medicine. This year, authorities are already on high alert. 🚨 In Amazonas state alone, at least 62 municipalities are under a state of emergency, affecting more than half a million people, according to the state's civil defense corps.
With weaker-than-usual seasonal rains, the impact from last year's drought looks set to repeat or even reach new extremes. It's a stark reminder of the climate challenges we're all facing and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. 🌱🤝
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
