A drought in the Amazon has halted river shipping, with boats, including one carrying gas cylinders, stuck since September 2023.
Officials warn that this could hurt nearby grain exports. In Madeira, grain companies like Cargill are still operating. But they are carrying less weight as a safety step.
Shipping company AP Moller-Maersk says sailing near Manaos is not possible. The drought has also led them to stop some services to and from Manaos.
To help people, Brazil’s government started a food delivery program in September. It targets isolated villages and indigenous areas.
These groups now ask the government to declare a climate emergency. They say they lack clean water, food, and medicine.
Maersk is sending ships to other ports instead of Manaos as a backup plan. These include ports like Vila do Conde and Pecém.
Background
Dry conditions in Brazil’s Northern Amazon region could shake the national economy and risk higher inflation.
El Niño, a climate phenomenon, might worsen agriculture and livestock by late 2023 and 2024.
Farmers are worried about the 2024 harvest. Augusto Rocha from CIEAM warns of increased crop failures, especially in seasonal crops like corn and rice.
Consequently, food items may become scarcer. This scarcity could make essential goods more expensive.
Therefore, low-income families might face the brunt of rising inflation.
In addition, the Manaus Free Zone contributes significantly to our economy. It produces a variety of home appliances and electronics.
Moreover, low water levels in the Amazon River are affecting shipping. Boats can’t operate at full capacity.
As a result, the government declared an emergency in 17 towns due to drought.
El Niño is making the drought worse. This weather pattern causes unusual rainfall in the Pacific.
In turn, hot, dry air hampers cloud formation over northern South America.
Additionally, Jose Farias from Sudene notes that energy costs could go up. However, he says this will have a minimal effect on overall inflation.