Andean nations coordinate response to El Niño phenomenon

Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru have agreed to coordinate technical and scientific efforts to prepare for the 2026-2027 El Niño phenomenon. Operating under the Andean Committee for Disaster Prevention and Attention (Caprade), with Ecuador currently holding the pro tempore presidency, the four nations will share real-time meteorological data and strengthen communication in border regions to anticipate risks such as floods and droughts.

In Peru, regional authorities in Arequipa have identified a need for S/148 million to address potential emergencies caused by the phenomenon. Additionally, the Peruvian government has proposed a package of legislative measures aimed at strengthening prevention and response capabilities, including streamlining bureaucracy and protecting agricultural and fishing sectors.

Ecuador’s National Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR) emphasized that the priority is to protect lives, food security, and essential infrastructure. The regional cooperation aims to ensure that responses to climate events that cross national borders are articulated and timely.