Brazil releases report: More than 1000 cities have severe drought!

A report released by the Brazilian government on July 24 local time showed that Brazil is currently facing severe drought, and more than 1000 cities across the country are in a state of special or severe drought.

In addition, the report stated that due to the impact of drought, fires occur frequently across Brazil, and the number of fires currently occurring has reached a record high in the past ten years. According to an assessment by an expert team from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the current drought is considered to be the worst in the past 70 years, and the rainfall is much lower than average.

At present, in Brazil, the most severely affected states are Amazon and Mato Grosso do Sul in northern Brazil. In Amazon, all 62 administrative regions in Brazil's Amazon state have entered a state of tension due to severe drought.

In Manaus, the state capital, the water level of the Rio Negro River fell by 54 centimeters in July. As a result, the state declared a 180-day environmental emergency. In addition, domestic shipping in Brazil was interrupted due to falling water levels, resulting in difficulties in supplying materials and water in some areas.

In Mato Grosso do Sul, the state has the world's largest Pantanal wetland. According to the latest satellite monitoring data released by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (Inpe), from July 1 to 23 this year, the Pantanal wetland has 619 fires occurred, which is 40% higher than the historical average (441 incidents). In addition, the Pantanal wetland fire area this year is expected to be 5992 square kilometers to 7946 square kilometers, which is five times the area of São Paulo.

In addition, the report pointed out that although the areas with the worst drought are currently in the north and west of the country, the problems in other areas are equally serious and are affected by high temperature weather. According to the meteorological department, the temperature in central and southern Brazil is higher than in previous years. In Minas Gerais, the main coffee-producing area, the average temperature in July was 33°C, and the rainfall for the entire month was only 10 millimeters.

In addition, earlier reports pointed out that due to the low rainfall recorded since May and the decline in water levels in some rivers, soil water shortages require attention. Some major coffee producing areas in Brazil have recorded water shortages that are less than the historical level of more than 20 millimeters. The water shortage in some areas exceeds 40 millimeters, triggering a drought warning signal, and the current situation is intensifying.

Due to the negative impact of drought on coffee plants, Brazil's coffee-producing areas are accelerating harvesting. According to data from investment bank Safras, Brazil has harvested 74% of this year's coffee production.

Due to the high market demand, Brazil's coffee exports reached a record of 47.3 million bags of coffee (60 kg/bag) in 2023/24. As a result, Brazil's domestic stocks have decreased. Coupled with the current drought situation affecting the new season's harvest, the market is expected to provide Brazilian coffee supply in 2024/25 will also decrease by 4%.