THE Negro river, the Amazon’s second-largest tributary, on Monday reportedly reached its lowest level since official measurements began near the city of Manaus, 121 years ago. 

The record confirms that this part of the world’s largest rainforest is suffering its worst drought, just a little over two years after its most significant flooding.

The water level in the city’s port went as low as 13.5 metres, down from the 30 metres registered in June 2021 — its highest level on record.