Photos: In the Amazon, millions breathe hazardous air as drought and wildfires spread through the rainforest

World

Login / Sign Up

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Gold / Forex

World Americas

Photos: In the Amazon, millions breathe hazardous air as drought and wildfires spread through the rainforest

Manaus, the city’s air quality index fluctuated between unhealthy and hazardous levels

Published: October 13, 2023 14:50 AP and Compiled by Nilanjana Javed, Editorial Liaison Manager

1 of 8

Smoke from wildfires in the Amazon is seen in the port of Manaus, Brazil October 12, 2023. — Thick smoke has enveloped extensive areas of the Brazilian Amazon on Thursday as the region grapples with a surge in wildfires and a historic drought. Image Credit: REUTERS

2 of 8

Boats navigate in the port as smoke from wildfires in the Amazon raises over Manaus, Brazil October 12, 2023. — In a city of 2 million, air quality ranked among the worst globally, leading to the suspension of college classes and the cancellation of various activities, including an international marathon. Image Credit: REUTERS

3 of 8

Smoke from wildfires in the Amazon is seen in Manaus, Brazil October 12, 2023. — In the first 11 days of October, Amazonas state recorded over 2,700 fires. This is already the highest number for the month since official monitoring began in 1998. Virtually all fire is human-caused, primarily for deforestation or pasture clearance. Image Credit: REUTERS

4 of 8

A man walks on the shore in the port while smoke from wildfires in the Amazon raises over Manaus, Brazil October 12, 2023 — Over the past six weeks, Manaus and other cities of Amazonas state have intermittently been blanketed by thick smoke, making it difficult to breathe. The city’s air quality index fluctuated between unhealthy and hazardous levels during the last two days, resembling the conditions in some major Asian metropolitan areas. Image Credit: REUTERS

5 of 8

6 of 8

7 of 8

People are seen on the shore while smoke from wildfires in the Amazon raises over the port in Manaus, Brazil October 12, 2023. — Normally, October marks the start of the rainy season. However, the warming of the northern Atlantic Ocean’s waters has disrupted the flow of rain clouds. Another contributing factor is El Niño, a warming of the surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which is expected to peak in December. Image Credit: REUTERS

8 of 8

People look at the port while smoke from wildfires in the Amazon raises over Manaus, Brazil October 12, 2023. — Many of the Amazon’s major rivers are currently at historically low levels, disrupting navigation and isolating hundreds of riverine communities. In Tefe Lake, the heated and shallow waters likely caused the deaths of dozens of river dolphins . Most were pink dolphins, an endangered species. Image Credit: REUTERS

Latest In

COP 28 Green Zone: Who can attend and why

15 minutes ago
Chopard illuminates Red Sea International Film Festival

16 minutes ago
Activist Ahed Tamimi freed by Israel in Gaza truce swap

16 minutes ago
LuLu Exchange’s sustainable practices integrates COP28

24 minutes ago
Kapil Sharma slams Indigo airlines over flight delay

32 minutes ago

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you. Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.

World Americas

Trending