Colombia faces water shortages and economic risks from El Niño

The El Niño phenomenon is causing significant water shortages and economic concerns across Colombia. The Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca (CAR) reports that 33% of its territory is experiencing varying degrees of water scarcity. In Cundinamarca, municipalities such as Puerto Salgar and Viotá have declared public calamities, while others like Villeta and Tocaima are under red alerts due to the inability of utility companies to meet demand.

In Boyacá, municipalities including Buenavista, Caldas, San Miguel de Sema, and Saboyá are facing supply difficulties. Additionally, the municipality of Puerto Parra in Santander is experiencing a critical shortage as high temperatures have dried up local streams. To mitigate the crisis, authorities are deploying water trucks and implementing rationing measures in areas like Chaguaní.

Economically, Bancolombia has launched an educational campaign to help households manage the impact of the phenomenon on food prices, energy consumption, and water access. Experts suggest a severe El Niño could add between 0.7 and 1.9 percentage points to annual inflation. The energy sector is also at risk, as Colombia relies on hydroelectric power for approximately 82% of its electricity, making the country vulnerable to reduced rainfall and low reservoir levels.