After historical drought of 2024, this year’s drought can repeat critical impacts in Rio Branco

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After facing the highest drought in the last 53 years, in 2024, when the Acre River reached the record level of 1.23 meters in September, the Acrean capital, Rio Branco prepares for another drought period that approaches this year 2025.

According to the municipal civil defense coordinator, Lieutenant Colonel Claudio Falcão, preliminary studies indicate that this year’s drought may be similar or even less severe than the previous one.

Despite the initial forecast, Falcão warned that the drought impacts will still be significant on the Acre capital.

“Even if the 2025 drought is equal to or less than 2024, the effects will be severe, because we are dealing with a river that no longer retains water as before,” Falcão said in an interview with Contilnet.

He pointed out that, despite a rainy April, Rio Acre has a sharp flow, and the rains recorded in May were scarce.

Lieutenant Colonel also warned of climate change observed in the region, with extremely hot mornings and afternoons, characteristic of a desert climate.

“These indications show us that, from June, we will have an even greater decrease in the level of the river and more difficulties related to drought,” he said.

In 2024, drought affected more than 387,000 people in Rio Branco, compromising water supply and air quality, which reached dangerous levels. The state government decreed environmental emergency in all 22 municipalities of Acre and implemented measures such as sending driving trucks to the most critical areas and the intensification of inspection against burning and illegal deforestation.

With the forecast of a new severe drought, the Rio Branco Civil Defense is already on alert and plans actions to mitigate the impacts.

“We are preparing to face another critical period, focusing on the protection of the population and the preservation of water resources,” said Claudio Falcão.