PUNACA TINTA MARIA, Bolivia (AP) — For many generations, the homeland of the Uru people here wasn't land at all: It was the brackish waters of Lake Poopo. The Uru — "people of the water" — would build a sort of family island of reeds when they married and would survive on what they could harvest from the broad, shallow lake in the highlands of southwestern Bolivia. "They collected eggs, fished, hunted flamingos and birds. When they fell in love, the couple built their own raft, " said Abdón Choque, leader of Punaca, a town of some 180 people. Now what was Bolivia's second-largest lake is gone. It dried up about five years ago, victim of shrinking glaciers, water diversions for farming and contamination. Ponds reappear in places during the rainy season. And the Uru of Lake Poopo are left clinging to its salt-crusted former shoreline in three small settlements, 635 people scrabbling for ways to make a living and struggling to save even their culture. "Our grandfathers thought the lake would last all their lives, and now my people are near extinction because our source of life has been lost, " said Luis Valero, leader of the Uru communities around the lake.
Vessels shall keep at least 100 feet clearance of displayed diver's flag. Operator shall maintain a proper lookout.
Brazos River water levels will rise quickly, officials said. PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — Due to rainfall from Monday's storms, the Brazos River Authority opened a third gate at Morris Sheppard Dam at Possum Kingdom Lake. Opening the third gate will cause of closure of Highway 16, officials said. The highway will remain closed as long as the third gate is open. River levels will rise quickly, officials said. Those in the area should plan alternate routes and follow water conditions here. Those residents living downstream of Possum Kingdom Lake should be alert for rising river levels and potential for additional flooding, according to the Brazos River Authority, especially in areas prone to flooding. Area residents can sign up for downstream alerts here. Remember to download the WFAA app to check one of ou r dozens of local radars near you as well as the latest forecast, cameras and current conditions.
Nestled in the foothills of the Palo Pinto mountains less than 90 miles west of Fort Worth, Possum Kingdom is The Great Lake of Texas. More than 18, 000 acres of crystal clear water, a Texas oasis surrounded by beautiful cliffs and rolling hillsides. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or staying for a lifetime, Possum Kingdom Lake has the amenities and services to meet your every need, from first-class dining and resorts to some of the finest marinas and golf courses in Texas. Enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities including boating, diving, swimming, fishing, hiking, cycling and golf.
It also shows the maximum recorded sustained wind speed for each month.