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Source- This post on the Mackenzie River has been created based on the article “Mackenzie River in Canada Reaches Historic Low Levels, Stranding Communities” published in “TimesNews” on 13 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The Mackenzie River is currently experiencing record-low water levels due to extreme heat and minimal precipitation. These conditions have caused significant evaporation, severely impacting local communities that depend on the river for transportation and fishing.
About the Mackenzie River
1. Location: The Mackenzie River flows through Canada’s Northwest Territories.
2. It is the longest river system in Canada, stretching approximately 1,650 km (1,025 miles).
3. The river originates from Great Slave Lake and empties into the Beaufort Sea in the Arctic Ocean.
4. Historically, the river has been crucial for transportation and the extraction of natural resources.
5. The Mackenzie River basin is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including numerous fish species, migratory birds, and mammals such as beavers and moose.
6. The river holds cultural and economic importance for several Indigenous communities who have lived along its banks for thousands of years.
7. Beyond transportation and fishing, the river supports activities such as tourism and hydroelectric power generation, making it a vital component of the regional economy.
UPSC Syllabus: Geography
