Rivers in South America Reach Record Lows

Impacts on Commercial Navigation and Hydro-Electric Power Generation

The Tomebamba river in Cuenca, Ecuador. Hundreds of rushing rivers like this which feed the Amazon from the Andes are now reduced to trickles. Photo: Jonathan Mason on Unsplash.

Many South American rivers have hit record low levels, hindering commercial navigation along waterways in the Amazon basin and affecting hydro-electric power generation.

Examples of Rivers Reaching Record Lows

The Paraguay River has hit a record low, with meteorologists expecting the river to continue falling as there is no expectation of rain in the near future.

The Parana River in Argentina is also near year lows around grains hub Rosario. Both the Paraguay and Parana rivers start in Brazil, eventually joining and flowing into the sea near Buenos Aires. They are important routes for soy, corn, and other trade.

Impacts on Navigation and Shipments

In the northern section of the Paraguay waterway, navigation is practically halted due to the extreme drop in water levels, according to the Paraguayan oilseed and grain crushing chamber CAPPRO.

Vessels have had to transport volumes below the average of their normal cargo capacity, generating delays and making travel times longer, CAPPRO said.

La Nina Weather Phenomenon

Less rain than normal is expected in the second half of the year due to the La Nina weather phenomenon, which brings drier, cooler conditions in Paraguay and Argentina, though it usually heralds wetter weather farther north in Brazil.

However, this year, La Nina has been delayed and its effects are expected only between October and November.

Consequences for Cities and Communities

This means that rivers and dams in the Andes are at record lows, making it difficult for large high Andean cities like Cuenca, Quito, or Bogota to generate enough hydro-electric electricity or drinking water, leading to rotating power cuts, water shortages, and sewage problems affecting both homes and businesses.

In Brazil, where record wildfires have also occurred, the low water levels are leaving some communities in the Amazon isolated, as well as hitting soy and corn shipments in center-west states such as Mato Grosso, Brazil’s number one grains growing area.

Sources

VOA, Reuters, BBC, El Universo, El Mercurio.

Conclusion

The ongoing drought and low water levels in South American rivers are having a significant impact on commercial navigation, hydro-electric power generation, and daily life in cities and communities.

FAQs

Q: What is causing the rivers to reach record lows?

A: The main cause is a combination of drought and the La Nina weather phenomenon.

Q: How is this affecting commercial navigation?

A: Navigation is being hindered, with vessels having to transport reduced volumes and travel times taking longer.

Q: What are the consequences for cities and communities?

A: Cities and communities are facing power cuts, water shortages, and sewage problems due to the difficulty in generating hydro-electric electricity and drinking water.