- 11/5/2024 12:35:55 PM
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In a shocking development for environmentalists and locals alike, the Río Negro, the longest river in the Amazon basin, has reached its lowest water level ever recorded. According to the Brazilian Geological Service, the river's level plummeted to an alarming 12.66 meters on Friday, a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis affecting our planet.
This record low is significant, as it marks the first time since monitoring began in 1902—over a century ago—that water levels have dropped to such depths. Experts are projecting that the situation could worsen in the days to come, raising urgent concerns for the ecological health of the region.
As the Río Negro experiences this unprecedented drop, neighboring regions are facing their own environmental disasters. Emergency declarations have been made in the Peruvian departments of Amazonas, San Martín, and Ucayali due to rampant wildfires. These fires not only threaten local wildlife but also contribute to air quality issues affecting the health of nearby communities.
According to André Martinelli, the hydrology and territorial management manager at the Superintendence of Manaus, the decline in the Río Negro's water levels is expected to continue throughout the month of October. However, he noted a slight decrease in the rate of decline, with the river dropping from 23 cm per day to just 11 cm as of Friday.
The drought and subsequent drop in water levels are impacting over 500,000 people in the region, raising questions about food security, health, and access to clean water. The community is urged to remain vigilant as they contend with these challenges.
The situation surrounding the Río Negro serves as a critical reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental systems and the urgent need for sustainable practices to protect our planet. As we face the consequences of climate change, the time to act is now.
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