Amazon water level hits historic low... 300-year-old traces found
19th-century shipwreck discovered in Madeira River tributary
59% of Brazil's territory suffers drought... Rain forecast awaited
Traces of life from residents 200 to 300 years ago are being discovered one by one on the bottom of the Amazon River, where water levels have drastically dropped due to severe drought. On the 17th (local time), Brazilian media outlet G1 reported, "A shipwreck presumed to have been used in the 19th century was belatedly discovered in a tributary of the Madeira River, one of the main waterways forming the Amazon River, attracting the attention of historians."
The vessel, appearing to be stranded on a mound, was first partially spotted by sailors and fishermen at the end of last month, and as the water receded further over a few days, its full form was revealed. Local residents had previously thought the submerged parts were rocks, and this is the first time they have seen the ship's exterior.
Social historian Dr. Caiu Paiaung told G1, "On-site investigations cross-referencing data and materials from scholars who studied Amazon navigation are necessary," adding, "Based on the characteristics of the remains, it resembles a vessel used in the late 19th century to navigate shallow waters or to avoid submerged rocks and logs." Little is known so far about the historical background of this ship, and local authorities plan to proceed with detailed investigations.
Due to severe drought, fishing nets are exposed near the Tapajos River in the Amazon. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
The Madeira River typically experiences severe drought during the Amazon dry season, which lasts until late October. On the 11th of last month, the water level in the Portuvelu area dropped to 0.71 meters, the lowest since related observations began in 1967. Due to the decline in river water levels, approximately 800,000 local residents are facing significant threats to their livelihoods as fishing becomes difficult.
Meanwhile, discoveries attracting historians' attention have also emerged. Last month, traces of a fortress built in the 18th century were found on the bottom of the Solimoes River, and in August, cannons confirmed to have been used for fortress defense surfaced above the water.
About 59% of Brazil's territory suffered from drought this year, but with rain beginning to fall gradually across the Amazon region since mid-month, there is hope for improvement in the drought situation. According to the daily water level information system operated at the Negro River port in Manaus, Amazonas state, the water level on this day was 12.25 meters, slightly up from the historic low of 12.11 meters recorded on the 10th, the lowest since 1902.
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