Severe Drought Returns to the Amazon River Region

The Amazon Basin, which holds one-fifth of the world's freshwater, has begun its dry season, witnessing a drop in the water levels of many of its rivers to very low levels. This has prompted governments to anticipate emergency measures to address issues ranging from disrupted navigation to increased forest fires. A technical note issued by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization, which includes Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela, stated on Wednesday: "The Amazon Basin is facing one of the most severe droughts in recent years in 2024, which will have significant impacts on many member countries." Water levels in many rivers in the southwest Amazon are at their lowest ever for this time of year.