French Guiana activates Orsec drought plan as river traffic halts

Authorities in French Guiana have activated the Orsec drought emergency plan to combat an exceptional water shortage caused by the El Niño phenomenon. The drought has led to a significant drop in river levels, effectively closing the fluvial highways that serve as vital transport links for isolated communities.

To supply approximately 40,000 residents in areas without road access, a weekly air bridge will be established. This operation will utilize private aircraft and three military Casa planes to transport 100 tons of freight. The mission aims to deliver essential goods, maintain public education services, and ensure the continued operation of drinking water production.

To prevent price gouging, the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane (CTG) is subsidizing freight costs to 50 cents per kilogram. In exchange, merchants must adhere to reference prices, which will be monitored by fraud prevention authorities. Recent data from Météo-France Guyane indicates that July and August were the driest months recorded since 1967, with September rainfall significantly below historical averages.