Amazon River tributaries fall to record low levels

Water levels in the main tributaries of the Amazon River have fallen to record lows as drought worsens across Brazil. Some central areas of the country have had no rain for more than 150 days. That is the lowest since monitoring began in 1902. Many supplies are transported by river in this region, but declining water levels have disrupted shipping operations.

This is affecting the lives of people in remote villages as well as the tourism industry. Brazilian authorities suggest water levels may drop even further. Since the country has also experienced a series of forest fires, concerns are growing about the impact on coffee and other agricultural products.