Severe drought hits Amazon jungle, rivers nearly dry

The Amazon is currently experiencing its worst drought in 70 years, leading to devastating consequences for the environment and local communities. The drought has resulted in rivers, such as the Madeira and Jaquiri, nearly drying up, exposing barren riverbeds and creating severe water shortages for over a thousand towns. The situation is exacerbated by rampant forest fires that have destroyed protected habitats, particularly affecting the state of Sao Paulo and northern Brazil. As humidity levels in Brazil plummet to alarming lows comparable to those in the Sahara Desert, researchers warn of a potential increase in arid conditions in the coming years. The National Centre for Natural Disaster Monitoring and Alerts (Cemaden) has raised concerns about the ongoing dry season, which could be the most extensive in nearly seven decades. The impact on air quality is also dire, with fine particulate matter levels in Humaita reaching 14 times higher than the World Health Organisation's safety standards. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has highlighted the worsening situation, noting the severe drought in the Pantanal region. He emphasized the urgent need for action to address these environmental challenges, warning that failure to do so could lead to catastrophic consequences for humanity and the planet. The drought not only threatens the rich biodiversity of the Amazon but also the livelihoods of millions who depend on its resources. As the crisis unfolds, locals are seen struggling to carry drinking water across dry riverbeds, illustrating the human toll of this environmental disaster. The combination of reduced rainfall since the summer of 2023 and the ongoing drought raises serious concerns about the future of the Amazon and the broader implications for climate change and ecological balance.