The Ministry of Housing urged local authorities and service operators to prepare emergency measures ahead of the likely arrival of the El Niño phenomenon in the second half of the year.
The Ministry of Housing issued the call on May 27 to governors, mayors, departmental water plans, public service providers and community managers. The request aims to mitigate risks of water shortages and other effects of the phenomenon.
According to Ideam and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the probability of El Niño occurrence for the May-July quarter stands at 61 percent and could reach moderate or higher intensity by year end. Equatorial Pacific temperatures already exceed historical averages.
The ministry recalled prior impacts. Between 2014 and 2016 water rationing occurred in 296 municipalities and shortages affected 237 municipalities across 25 departments. In 2023-2024 more than 270 municipalities faced similar problems and the government declared a disaster situation due to low reservoir and river levels on the Magdalena and Cauca.
Requested measures include updating risk management plans, monitoring flows, identifying alternate supply sources and prioritizing delivery to hospitals, schools and health centers.
