By Lisandra Paraguassu
BRASILIA (Reuters) – The Amazon region is facing a crisis as last year’s record drought and ongoing lack of rainfall have caused river water levels to plummet, affecting navigation by barges carrying grains for export and isolating communities that rely on river transport.
The Brazilian Geological Service (SGB) has issued warnings that water levels have been steadily decreasing since June, with all rivers in the Amazon basin expected to fall below their historical levels.
In Manaus, the Rio Negro river has dropped to 21 meters deep from 24 meters at the same time last year, raising concerns among industries in the Free Trade Zone. Businesses in the area have requested dredging work to prevent a repeat of last year’s transportation disruptions.
Dredging efforts have commenced on critical points of the Madeira river, where only low-draft vessels can currently pass, according to the government’s Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT). DNIT has also initiated dredging contracts for the major Amazon and Solimoes rivers.
Consultancy ARGUS has warned that the situation could result in the rerouting of grain and fertilizer shipments to ports in the south and southeast of Brazil, leading to increased shipping costs for producers.
In Porto Velho, Rondonia state, the Madeira River has been below two meters since July, significantly lower than its normal depth of 5.3 meters. This has impacted transportation on one of the main waterways in northern Brazil, which is home to two hydroelectric dams, Jirau and Santo Antonio.
Communities across the Amazon region are facing isolation due to reduced river navigability. Residents are unable to travel to purchase food, crops are being damaged, and fish populations are declining as streams dry up, affecting riverside communities that rely on fishing.
Climatologist Jose Marengo has highlighted the absence of expected rainfall in 2023, coupled with the failure of the Pacific waters to cool as anticipated, resulting in a dire situation in the Amazon. Marengo, who serves as the coordinator of Research and Development at the National Center for Natural Disaster Monitoring and Alerts (Cemaden), emphasized that the lack of rain in the region will impact moisture levels in southern areas that depend on the “flying rivers” phenomenon.
While more rain had been predicted for the second half of the year due to the La Niña phenomenon, the current conditions in the Amazon paint a catastrophic picture. Marengo’s insights shed light on the far-reaching implications of the ongoing drought in the region, affecting not only navigation and transportation but also food supply chains and local economies.
Analysis:
The Amazon River drought is not just a regional issue – it has global consequences. The disruption in transportation and navigation can lead to increased shipping costs for producers, affecting the prices of goods in international markets. The isolation of communities and the decline in food supply could trigger humanitarian crises and economic challenges. As investors and consumers, we need to pay attention to these developments as they can impact our investments, cost of living, and overall financial stability. It’s crucial to stay informed and consider the broader implications of environmental crises on our lives and finances.