Manaus, Brazil.- One of the main tributaries of the Amazon River has reached its lowest level ever recorded, Brazil’s geological service said today, reflecting a severe drought that has devastated the Amazon rainforest as well as other parts of the country.
The level of the Negro River at the port of Manaus was 12.66 meters today, compared to its normal level of about 21 meters. It is the lowest level since measurements began 122 years ago. The previous record low was recorded last year towards the end of October.
The water level of the Negro River could decrease further in the coming weeks based on forecasts of little rain in upstream regions, according to forecasts from the geological service. The river’s volume is expected to continue declining until the end of the month, said Andre Martinelli, the agency’s hydrology manager in Manaus.
Water levels in the Brazilian Amazon always rise or fall in the rainy and dry seasons, but this year’s dry portion has been much worse than usual. All major rivers in the Amazon basin are at critical levels, including the Madeira River, which is the longest tributary of the Amazon.
The Negro River drains around 10% of the Amazon basin and is the sixth largest in the world by water volume. Manaus, the largest city in the rainforest, is where the Negro River joins the Amazon.
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