A severe drought across Brazil’s Amazon rainforest is drastically affecting the lives of residents, especially in towns like Manacapuru, near the state capital of Manaus. Record-low water levels in the upper stretches of the Amazon River, including its tributary the Solimoes River, have hampered mobility and disrupted daily life. The Solimoes River, a key transportation route for goods, is now filled with stranded boats as water levels drop dramatically.

The drought has made it difficult for locals to transport essential goods such as fish, bananas, and cassava. The drying river has also slowed the delivery of basic necessities like food and drinking water from outside the region. Fisherman Josue Oliveira, whose boat became stuck on dry land overnight, described the situation as critical. His colleague, Francisco da Silva, warned that the river water, now turning green, could soon become unsafe to drink. “We’ll have to drink it anyway,” he said, acknowledging that getting fresh supplies from other areas may soon be impossible.

The National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters (Cemaden) reports that this is the most severe and widespread drought Brazil has faced since records began in 1950. A weak rainy season, rising atmospheric temperatures, and deforestation have all contributed to the worsening situation. The clearing of forested areas for pastures has also exacerbated the environmental crisis, putting local communities at further risk.

In response to the crisis, Brazil’s Supreme Court on Sunday authorized the lifting of spending restrictions related to wildfires and droughts in the Amazon and Pantanal regions. The decision comes as the country grapples with the economic consequences of these climate events, which threaten both the environment and the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the Amazon’s resources.

As the drought intensifies, the residents of the Amazon region continue to face challenges in accessing clean water and essential goods. The situation highlights the broader impact of climate change and deforestation on the delicate ecosystems of the Amazon, as well as the urgent need for sustainable land and water management practices to protect both the environment and the people who depend on it.