Drought has dried a major tributary of the Amazon River to its lowest level in more than 122 years

One of the main tributaries of the Amazon River has fallen to its lowest level ever recorded, Brazil’s geological survey said on Friday, reflecting a severe drought that has devastated the Amazon rainforest and other parts of the country.

The level of the Negro River in the port of Manaus was 12.66 meters on Friday, compared to a 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, but towards the end of October.

The water level of the Negro River could drop further in the coming weeks due to low rainfall forecasts in upstream regions, according to predictions from the geological service. André Martinelli, the agency’s director of hydrology in Manaus, was quoted as saying the river was expected to continue receding until the end of the month.

Water levels in the Brazilian Amazon always rise and fall with the rainy and dry seasons, but this year’s dry part has been much worse than usual. All major rivers in the Amazon Basin are at critical levels, including the Madeira River, the longest tributary of the Amazon River.

The Negro River drains about 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 joins the Amazon River.

For locals, the drought has made basic daily activities impossible. Gracita Barbosa, 28, works as a cashier in a floating store on the Negro River. It is out of work because the boats that used to stop there can no longer navigate the river due to the low water level. Barbossa can no longer bathe in the river and now has to travel longer distances to collect drinking water.