Extreme Drought
Hits the Amazon River
Since 2023, the Amazon River has been affected by a severe drought. The consequences of the crisis are far-reaching, affecting local economies and resources.
In Colombia, the depleted river has isolated some rural indigenous communities that depend on rain and river water for survival, especially for food, drinking water, and navigation. In particular, lower river levels have affected the ability of nearby communities to fish and travel to Leticia to sell crops.
This Copernicus Sentinel 2 image, taken on October 25, 2024, shows the exposed riverbeds of the Amazon River near the towns of Leticia, Colombia, Tabatinga, Brazil, and Santa Rosa de Yavari, Peru.
The ongoing drought and its widespread effects in the affected countries can be monitored with open data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites, which provide critical information for mapping water bodies and supporting response efforts.
Now listening: Tres Fronteras by Stéphane Marin
Tres Fronteras, a sonic exploration by French artist Stéphane Marin, captures the urgency of the Amazon's changing ecosystem through a seven-day residency in the tri-border region of Colombia, Peru, and Brazil. Marin sought to record the porosity between "phonies" - living and vibrating beings - at the thresholds of audibility, interiority, and humanity. Exploring the Colombian jungle, Amazon tributaries, and a Peruvian lake, the work documents unique soundscapes and the environmental pressures they face. The piece serves as a sonic testament to the rapidly changing Amazon, highlighting the interplay of geographical, ecological, and perceptual boundaries. Through this immersive experience, Marin invites listeners to engage with the complex web of Amazonian life and emphasizes the critical need for environmental awareness and conservation of these fragile soundscapes.
June 1995 - Leticia, Colombia
