Brazilian Ministry of Science: “El Nino phenomenon is the cause”
Ships cannot operate… Number of victims: 480,000↑
Local residents “Concerned about the cleanliness of the water supply”
As the water level of the Amazon River in Brazil has dropped, residents of nearby villages are facing difficult situations, such as not being able to receive daily necessities.
According to the British Guardian on the 16th (local time), the water level in Manaus Port, Amazonas, Brazil, was 13.59m, the lowest in 121 years. This is the lowest figure since recorded in 1902, and was lower than the all-time low of 13.63m measured in 2010.
Manaus is located at the intersection of the Negro and Amazon rivers and is a major port where many people live.
The tributaries of the Amazon River dried up quickly, making it impossible for ships on the water to move. As a result, it became impossible to deliver food and water to distant villages. Additionally, the Guardian reported that about 100 river dolphins, which are at risk of extinction due to high water temperatures, appear to have died.
Brazil’s Ministry of Science said that the El Niño phenomenon, which is causing extreme weather events around the world, is the cause of this year’s drought. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Science said the drought would last until at least December, when the impact of El Niño is forecast to peak.
According to the Amazonas State Civil Defense Agency, 481,000 people were affected by this drought as of the 16th.
“It hasn’t rained here in three months,” said Pedro Mendonza, who lives in Santa Helena do Ingles, west of Manaus. “It’s much hotter than the last drought.”
Luciana Valentin, who lives in the same area, said, “Children have diarrhea and vomiting because of the water, and often have fevers,” and said she was concerned about the cleanliness of the local water supply after the water level dropped due to the drought.
Late last week, the Brazilian non-governmental organization Foundation for the Sustainability of the Amazon (FAS) delivered food and supplies to villages in the Manaus region.
Nelson Mendonza, leader of Santa Helena do Ingles, said: “Some areas were reachable by canoe, but many boats were unable to travel on the river to retrieve supplies, so they had to be transported by tow truck or on foot.”
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.