The water level of the Negro River in the port of Manaus reached 12.66 metres, on Friday, compared to the normal level of about 21 metres.
This is the lowest level since measurements began 122 years ago.
The previous record low was set last year, but towards the end of October.
The water level of the Negro River may decrease further in the coming weeks, based on expectations of decreased rainfall in areas located upstream, according to forecasts by the Geological Authority.
Andre Martinelli, director of the Manaus Geological Authority’s Water Department, was quoted as saying that the river’s waters are expected to continue to recede until the end of the month.
Water levels are rising in the area Amazon in Brazil It usually decreases during the rainy and dry seasons, but this year’s dry season was much worse than usual.
Water levels in all major rivers in the Amazon Basin have reached critical levels, including the Madeira River, the longest tributary of the Amazon River.
The Negro River derives about 10 percent of its water from the Amazon Basin and is the sixth largest river in the world in terms of water volume. Manaus is the largest city in the rainforest, and is the place where the Negro River meets the Amazon River.
