Paraguay on the brink as historic drought depletes river, its life-giving artery

Severe drought that began in late 2019 continues to punish the region while experts say climate change and deforestation may be intensifying the phenomenon

In the shadow of towering grain silos that line the bank of the River Parana, South America's second-longest waterway, Lucas Krivenchuk stands watching workers rush to load a barge with soybeans.

Twelve barges had to leave today, but only six will make it out: there's no time, the water's dropping too fast", said Krivenchuk, general manager of the Trociuk private port in southern Paraguay. It's the first time that any have left in two months".