The Amazon is currently facing one of its worst droughts in recent years, with rivers at critically low levels as the dry season begins.

Countries most affected by this water scarcity include Bolivia, Peru, and Brazil, as reported by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization.

The Madeira River's depth has fallen below 3 meters (10 feet), impacting navigation and threatening operations at major hydroelectric plants.

In response to the crisis, Brazil's federal water agency has declared a water shortage in the Madeira and Purus basins, which cover an area nearly the size of Mexico.

Acre state has declared a state of emergency due to impending water shortages in its main city, following similar measures taken in Amazonas state.

Water supply shortages in Acre have forced communities to rely on trucked water, echoing issues faced in the previous year.

In the town of Envira, shallow rivers have hindered access to medical help and disrupted local farmers' ability to sell cassava flour, leading to price increases.

The price of cassava flour has more than doubled due to transportation challenges faced by local farmers amid the drought.

From January to late July, approximately 25,000 fires were recorded in the Amazon, marking the highest number for this period in nearly two decades, primarily due to human activity.

Officials warn of a potential food shortage in Acre due to consecutive years of extreme weather events, which have affected crop production.

Emergency drought measures are being implemented earlier than in 2023, when the Amazon basin experienced its worst drought on record.

Water levels in several southwestern Amazon rivers are at record lows for this time of year, with August and September typically being the driest months.