Only the youngest and strongest villagers now brave the crossing of a vast, blistering stretch of sand where, in normal times, the waters of the mighty Madeira River flow in the Brazilian Amazon.

Residents of the village of Paraizinho — or "Little Paradise" — usually cross the river by canoe to reach the larger city of Humaita, a vital link to buy food and water, access healthcare and send their children to school.

In drier times, this typically involves a short walk along a beach that appears as water levels drop.

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