Quixplained: why Brazil's Amazon faces severe drought

Updated : Oct 23, 2022 08:03
|
AP

Just months after enduring floods that destroyed crops and submerged entire communities, thousands of families in the Brazilian Amazon are now dealing with severe drought.

The low level of the Amazon river, at the center of the largest drainage system in the world, has put dozens of municipalities under alert.

The dry season, known locally as the "Amazonian summer," usually lasts from June to December.

The fast-decreasing river water level is due to lower-than-expected rainfall during August and September, according to Luna Gripp, a researcher who monitors the western Amazon's river levels for the Brazilian Geological Survey.

Also watch: Visit Kralovec: the Czech social media 'annexation' of Russia's Kaliningrad

As most of Amazonas state is not connected by roads, the main concern is the shortage of food, fuel and other goods normally transported through waterways.

AmazonBrazil

Recommended For You

editorji | World

Arsonists target Bangladesh newspapers after student leader's death

editorji | World

US Democrats release Epstein photos showing Bill Gates, Noam Chomsky

editorji | World

PM Modi departs for Oman on last leg of three-nation visit

editorji | World

India closes visa application centre in Bangladesh capital due to security situation

editorji | World

Pakistan to sell 100 pc stake in PIA after bidders demand complete control post-privatisation