It hasn't been this dry in Brazil for decades: a historic drought has affected a third of the country. Cities are cut off from the outside world, energy supplies are at risk, and fires are raging.
Brazil is suffering from the worst drought in its recent history. More than a third of the country's territory, over three million square kilometers, are currently affected by the extreme dryness.
This was reported by the news portal G1, citing data from the National Center for Monitoring Natural Disasters (Cemaden). This is the most severe drought since systematic measurements began in 1950.
Cold fronts with rain no longer pass through
“Since we began monitoring, we have never experienced a drought as extensive and intense as this one,” said Cemaden scientist Ana Paula Cunha. “Before, there were only isolated regions that suffered from drought cycles, but this time it is a general phenomenon. This is a major problem facing the country.”
According to scientists, the severe drought is caused by a combination of different factors: the El Niño weather phenomenon is causing temperatures to rise in Brazil and precipitation to fall, especially in the north. Atmospheric blockages caused by immobile high pressure areas are preventing the passage of cold fronts that could bring rain. The warming of the northern tropical Atlantic is further extending the dry period.
Many cities cut off from the outside world
In the north of the country, several cities are cut off from the outside world because the rivers are not navigable due to low water levels. In addition, energy production from hydroelectric power plants is at risk. In addition, fires are raging in several regions of the South American country, causing breathing difficulties for residents.
Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva expects the problems to get worse. Strong winds and even higher temperatures could further fuel the fires.
Due to the drought and extreme temperatures, special rules currently apply in Brazil: At concerts, festivals or sporting events, organizers must provide spectators with free drinking water. The reason for this measure is the death of a 23-year-old at a Taylor Swift concert in November.
