The Paraguay River has reached historic low water levels, dropping 89 centimeters below the benchmark due to severe drought conditions linked to climate change. This crisis is disrupting regional commerce, affecting thousands of fishermen, and raising concerns about future patterns of drought. Experts warn of the broader implications for ecosystems and water management globally.
The Paraguay River, essential for regional commerce, has reached its lowest water levels in over a century due to an ongoing severe drought in the Amazon rainforest. According to Paraguay’s Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, the water level at the port of Asunción has plummeted to 89 centimeters (35 inches) below the benchmark, marking a historic low not seen in 120 years.
Experts indicate that such record drops are increasingly common, with the last significant decline occurring in October 2021. The ongoing drought severely impacts Paraguay, which is heavily reliant on the river for 80% of its international trade, particularly in agricultural commodities.
This crisis has left 1,600 fishermen without work, with numerous vessels stranded on dry riverbanks. One affected sailor, Fermín Giménez, lamented, “I have no way out. It’s a disaster.” The Paraguay-Paraná river system, extending 3,400 kilometers (about 2,110 miles), is a crucial transport route for grains and other products across multiple countries.
Drought impacts are also being felt regionally, with over half of the river’s shipping capacity disrupted. This affects trade not only in Paraguay but imposes challenges on Brazil and Bolivia. Officials warn that power supply may be cut in Paraguay due to reduced river flow, with losses potentially reaching hundreds of millions of dollars.
With no immediate rain in the forecast, industry leaders express grave concerns about the future. Raúl Valdez, president of Paraguay’s Center of River and Maritime Shipowners, stated, “Our main question is, will this now be a new pattern?” Experts assert that the drying river exemplifies a broader trend of increasing droughts worldwide, a scenario exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and deforestation.
As rainfall becomes more erratic, experts like Rachael McDonnell from the International Water Management Institute underline that this situation reflects a loss of resilience in ecosystems globally. The Amazon, in particular, has suffered extreme droughts, intensifying wildfires near Paraguay’s northeastern border and prompting national emergencies in surrounding regions.
The Paraguay River is experiencing unprecedented low water levels due to severe drought, largely attributed to climate change effects. This situation has significant implications for commerce, livelihoods, and regional stability. As other countries face similar challenges, the need for adaptive strategies and effective governance has become paramount to address the escalating impacts of climate variability and water management crises.
Original Source: bgdailynews.com
