Brazil Faces Severe 70-Year Drought Crisis

Brazil is facing its worst drought in over 70 years, affecting 59% of the country and leading to historic lows in major rivers of the Amazon basin. The drought, the most intense on record, has resulted in severe wildfires, particularly in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park, where firefighters are using aircraft to combat the blazes. Meanwhile, in Kerala, the aftermath of the Wayanad disaster has led to the cancellation of Onam festival celebrations, significantly impacting the flower trade in neighboring Tamil Nadu, where flower shipments have plummeted from 110 tonnes to just 15 tonnes this year. This has caused a drastic drop in prices for local flower farmers, affecting their livelihoods. In community news, Health New England employees engaged in volunteer efforts, while Marcotte Ford donated 300 pairs of sneakers to children at the Boys & Girls Club in Holyoke, promoting community support amid challenging circumstances.