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[INTERNATIONAL] · El Salvador, Panama, Honduras · 8 sources

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El Salvador declares red alert as El Nino threatens food security

El Salvador has declared a 'red alert' as the El Nino phenomenon intensifies, threatening the nation with both severe drought and potential hurricane activity. The Civil Defense General Directorate is implementing measures to protect food security and public health, as the country faces significant risks to water supplies, agriculture, and livestock.

Environmental Minister Fernando Lopez noted that eastern and coastal regions have already faced three drought cycles recently, with a 'storm-type rainfall wave' expected in September. Agricultural organizations warn of a looming food crisis, noting that water deficits in the 'dry corridor' could reach 70% to 90%, jeopardizing the production of beans and sorghum.

Regional impacts are widespread. In Panama, water scarcity has forced a reduction in daily vessel traffic through the Panama Canal to 32 ships. Honduras is also facing an emergency, with nearly 80% of its territory affected by losses in corn and bean crops. The World Meteorological Organization warns that El Nino is strengthening, which may lead to extreme weather events globally.

Entities

El Salvador · El Salvador Civil Defense General Directorate · Fernando López · Honduras · Panama · World Meteorological Organization

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