Paraguay River Hits Record Low Amid Drought

A severe drought in Brazil has led to record-low water levels in the Paraguay River, impacting trade and navigation across South America. The river's water level has dropped below minus 0.82 meters, the lowest in over a century, severely disrupting commerce and putting thousands of fishermen out of work. The situation is exacerbated by similar declines in the Paraná River, crucial for transporting agricultural commodities like soy and corn, further affecting regional economies. River navigation has been nearly halted, with significant delays in shipments impacting major agribusiness firms. This drought is a grim warning of the increasing frequency and intensity of such climate events in the region, affecting not just local industries but also international trade routes. Experts indicate that without immediate rainfall, conditions are likely to worsen, threatening the livelihoods reliant on these waterways.