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Communities living near the Madeira River in the Amazon Rainforest are grappling with record-low water levels due to a severe drought. The declining river levels have raised concerns about the environmental and socioeconomic impacts on these areas, which rely heavily on the river for transportation, agriculture, and daily needs.

The Madeira River: Overview and Key Details

Formation: The Madeira River is formed by the confluence of the Mamore and Beni rivers at Villa Bella, Bolivia. It flows into the Amazon River, approximately 145 km east of Manaus, Brazil.

Length: The river stretches for a total of 3,352 km, starting from the upper reaches of the Mamore River.

Geographic Path: The Madeira River runs along the Bolivia-Brazil border for 100 km before flowing through the Brazilian states of Rondonia and Amazonas.

Navigability: It is navigable for 1,300 km upstream by seagoing vessels, with the navigable route ending at Cachoeira de Santo Antonio.

Climate: The region experiences a diverse climate, ranging from arid to humid conditions. During the rainy season, the river overflows, submerging the surrounding forests.

Historical Inhabitants: The river basin has historically been home to indigenous communities and mestizos. Over time, farmers and ranchers have also settled in the region.

Name Origin:

• The river is named “Madeira” (Portuguese for “Wood River”) due to the large quantities of wood it carries. It was previously known as the Cuyari River.
• This severe drought affecting the Madeira River is not only a natural phenomenon but also a challenge for the surrounding communities and ecosystems, as the region relies heavily on the river’s resources.

Read more: World Environmental Health Day 2024, Promoting a Safe and Sustainable Planet