Brazil Experiences Worst Drought in 44 Years, Affecting Extensive Areas
Significant regions of Brazil are experiencing the harshest drought conditions seen in 44 years.
TroibNews 
According to a recent report by the Brazilian Center for Natural Disaster Monitoring and Alerts, severe drought conditions are affecting 15 of Brazil's 27 federative units, marking the most significant drought in 44 years.
Brazil, earlier in the year, experienced a severe heat wave with exceptionally high temperatures recorded from May through August. With the dry season running from May to November, the scant rainfall has done little to mitigate the intense heat. In 2024, the Amazon Basin is also experiencing one of its harshest droughts in years, with climate change playing a significant role in aggravating conditions across several South American countries, including Brazil.
The ongoing drought, which has lasted up to 12 months, has increased the frequency of wildfires, intensifying the crisis. Authorities have escalated efforts to combat these blazes, described as a "war against fire." A surge in wildfires has hit 30 cities in the Sao Paulo state of Brazil, causing two fatalities as reported by Reuters earlier in the month. Furthermore, the number of fires recorded since the start of 2024 in Brazil has peaked, reaching the highest in 14 years according to data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research.
The unprecedented scale of wildfires has also devastated Brazil's sugarcane production, a crucial crop still in its early stages of growth, leading to potential replanting and expected loss in future yield. As noted by The Straits Times, being a principal sugar exporter, the drought in Brazil could disrupt global sugar supply and push prices higher.
(Cover image by CFP)
(With input from agencies)
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
Brazil, earlier in the year, experienced a severe heat wave with exceptionally high temperatures recorded from May through August. With the dry season running from May to November, the scant rainfall has done little to mitigate the intense heat. In 2024, the Amazon Basin is also experiencing one of its harshest droughts in years, with climate change playing a significant role in aggravating conditions across several South American countries, including Brazil.
The ongoing drought, which has lasted up to 12 months, has increased the frequency of wildfires, intensifying the crisis. Authorities have escalated efforts to combat these blazes, described as a "war against fire." A surge in wildfires has hit 30 cities in the Sao Paulo state of Brazil, causing two fatalities as reported by Reuters earlier in the month. Furthermore, the number of fires recorded since the start of 2024 in Brazil has peaked, reaching the highest in 14 years according to data from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research.
The unprecedented scale of wildfires has also devastated Brazil's sugarcane production, a crucial crop still in its early stages of growth, leading to potential replanting and expected loss in future yield. As noted by The Straits Times, being a principal sugar exporter, the drought in Brazil could disrupt global sugar supply and push prices higher.
(Cover image by CFP)
(With input from agencies)
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
