The Amazon River, the world’s largest by volume, is under severe threat from the worst drought in 50 years. Authorities in Brazil and Colombia have declared states of emergency as water levels have dropped by 2.5 meters, disrupting river transport and cutting off access to drinking water.
Over 420,000 children in Colombia, Brazil, and Peru are affected, with schools and health centers forced to close. UNICEF warns of increased cases of malnutrition, malaria, and child recruitment by armed groups.
The organization is calling for $10 million in emergency aid to address the crisis, which endangers human and ecological systems across the region.
