Most Severe Drought In Recent History Plagues Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept 1 (Bernama-dpa) --  Brazil is suffering from the most severe drought in its recent history, with more than a third of the country's territory, over three million square kilometres, currently affected by extreme dryness, reported German news agency (dpa) on Saturday, citing news website G1. 

G1 cited data from the National Centre for the Monitoring of Natural Disasters (CEMADEN), which said it is the most severe drought since systematic measurement began in 1950.

"Since the beginning of monitoring, we have never experienced such an extensive and intense drought as this one," said the scientist, Ana Paula Cunha, from CEMADEN.

"Previously, only isolated regions suffered from drought cycles, but this time, it is a general phenomenon. This is a major problem the country is facing."

In the north of the country, several cities are cut off from the outside world because the rivers are not navigable due to low water levels. 

Additionally, energy production through hydroelectric power plants is at risk. 

In several regions of the South American country, fires are also raging, leading to respiratory problems for the residents.

According to scientific assessments, the cause of the severe drought is a combination of various factors: The weather phenomenon El Niño is causing temperatures to rise in Brazil and rainfall to decrease, especially in the north. 

Atmospheric blockages by stationary high-pressure areas are also preventing the passage of cold fronts that could bring rain. 

The warming of the northern tropical Atlantic further extends the dry period.

-- BERNAMA-dpa