Extreme weather impacts Colombia and Ecuador with drought and flooding

South American regions are facing extreme weather volatility. In Cundinamarca, Colombia, the Regional Autonomous Corporation (CAR) has issued early warnings due to a potential El Niño phenomenon. Projections from NOAA and IDEAM suggest a high probability of intense conditions between late 2026 and early 2027. Current reports show significant rainfall deficits in vital basins, such as the Río Negro, which has recorded only 2% of its usual volume.

While major reservoirs like the Chingaza system remain at high capacity, sub-basins in provinces like Rionegro and Sumapaz lack large-scale storage and are at high risk of water shortages due to their dependence on natural rainfall.

Simultaneously, Ecuador is experiencing severe flooding. The National Secretariat for Risk Management reported that eight rivers have overflowed due to intense precipitation. The emergencies are concentrated in the Esmeraldas and Pastaza provinces, specifically affecting the cantons of Atacames, Muisne, and Arajuno. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as rising water levels impact both rural and urban communities in the Coast and Amazon regions.