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Amazon Destroyed Greater Than Estimated

Deforestation of the Amazon River basin was underestimated by at least 60 percent. A report published in the U.S. journal Science claims this. The Brazilian government declared part of the Amazon River basin a disaster area, after a drought left the levels of parts of the river too low for navigation. The area can now only be reached by air, and the government of the jungle state is freeing up money, food and medicine to scores of the vulnerable river communities. Though the level of the Amazon rises and falls regularly, this year the desiccated season has been more severe than normal. The water levels in areas about 35 miles upstream from Manaus, 1,660 miles northwest of Sao Paulo, have been recorded to have dropped several feet to about five feet, making it precarious for river boats and difficult for fishing, a key occupation, officials informed. Still a hope for from this year. Water level may rise during the rainy season this November.

Via: Science Daily, Environmental News Network

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