To the rainfall, below average in much of the region, added to forecasts of temperatures above normal, already are a cause for concern for authorities regarding the dry season in the Amazon in 2024 .
The Management and Operational Center of the Amazon Protection System (Censipam) alerted civil defense agencies to the need for preventive measures and assistance for affected populations.
According to Censipam analyst Flavio Altieri, studies point to a drought very similar to last year’s in the region. “We have the effects of the El Niño phenomenon that still affect the region and keep the climate warming. [oceano] North and South Atlantic, which also interfere with little rain in the Amazon.”
In the last 12 months up to April this year, the Drought Monitor of the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency recorded a 27% deficit in rainfall volumes.
According to the superintendent of Critical Event Operations, Alan Vaz Lopes, the water levels and flow of rivers in the Amazon, although they have large volumes, are very sensitive to the lack of rain. “A small deficit of rain at a given time causes a large reduction in water levels and river runoff. That’s why we see huge rivers having a very rapid reduction in water levels.”
For experts, The more immediate effects of severe drought can severely affect river navigability. “The most isolated populations are mainly affected, because, with rivers that are not navigable, they face difficulties in getting around to acquire consumables,” explains Altieri.
The region’s economy could also suffer problems, says the Censipam analyst.
On the Solimões, Amazonas, Madeira and Tapajós rivers alone, there are 4,695 kilometers of waterways, through which 78.2 million tons of cargo were transported last year. , totaling 55% of what was moved within the country in this way. “In the case of the waterways of the Madeira River, when they reach a level below 4 meters, night navigation stops. As it drops, it may come to a complete halt. The same thing happens in the Tapajós Basin”, warns Altieri.
Energy
The country’s energy supply is another sensitive sector, as the region is home to 17 hydroelectric plants responsible for 23.6% of consumption in the National Interconnected System. Although other generation structures can cover an eventual interruption, the reallocation always has some impact on the country.
The seasonality of drought in the Amazon occurs in uneven stages across the region. Therefore, the indicators vary according to the dry season, which usually reaches its peak in the months of September and November. According to Altieri, in these months, attention is redoubled, but currently, there is still no indication of greater concerns with energy supply.
“Most of the hydroelectric plants are in the rivers of the Araguaia-Tocantins Basin and, despite the level being lower than last year, the levels are still satisfactory for generating energy,” said Altieri.
On the other hand, planning is necessary in terms of food and drinking water supply, as the region has 164 surface water collection points that could also be affected by severe drought. “As the river is the access route for most of the more isolated communities, it is interesting to plan so that supplies, such as food and drinking water, can be transported in advance and the impacts are smaller for these populations”, he added.
Information from Brazil Agency
Source: CNN Brasil
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