End of drought? Paraguay River rises more than one meter after almost a year
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – After almost a year in which the level of the Paraguay River in the port of Asunción was above one meter (the last time was in May 2021), it exceeded that mark again this month, the director of Meteorology and Hydrology, Raúl Rodas, told ABC newspaper.
Today, the level of the Paraguay River in the port of Asunción is 1.24 m, with daily variations of 5 centimeters. According to the Directorate of Meteorology and Hydrology, the historical minimum at this location was -0.75 m, measured on October 6, 2021.
Last year was highly complicated to navigation due to the historically low water level, as the lack of rainfall not only affected the local economy since Paraguay is a Mediterranean country and depends on its waterways, but also because the lack of rainfall in the countryside hits challenging our economy, which is mainly based on agriculture, livestock, and electricity generation.
However, in March of this year and in the first week of April, “rainfall in the tributaries of the different basins that make up the Paraguay River was above normal for the period considered, and the result of this is the growth that can be observed these days,” Rodas said.
According to the data, forecasts of heavy rains will continue at least until the second week of April, which will contribute to a continued increase in river levels until the end of this month.
However, the forecasts are not encouraging. “Weather forecasts indicate that rainfall in May and June will again be below what is considered normal for this time of year,” said the head of the Meteorology and Hydrology Department.
According to the records of the directorate mentioned above, the historic maximum level of the Paraguay River in the port of Asunción was 9.01 meters, a record set on May 29, 1983.
Levels in other ports
PARAGUAY RIVER
The Paraguay River is a major river in south-central South America, running through Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina. It flows about 2,695 kilometers (1,675 mi)[2] from its headwaters in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso to its confluence with the Paraná River north of Corrientes and Resistencia.
The Paraguay River is the second major river of the Rio de la Plata Basin, after Paraná River.
Unlike many of the other great rivers of the Rio de la Plata Basin, the Paraguay has not been dammed for hydroelectric power generation; for this reason, it is navigable for a considerable distance, second only to the Amazon River in terms of navigable length on the continent.
This makes it an important shipping and trade corridor, providing a much-needed link to the Atlantic Ocean for the otherwise landlocked nations of Paraguay and Bolivia. It serves such essential cities as Asunción and Concepción in Paraguay and Formosa in Argentina.
Key Facts
— Deep Dive
— For the complete picture, read our in-depth guide: Paraguay: Washington's Most Valued Ally in Latin America
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