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Honduras declares emergency as drought threatens agriculture and water supply
Honduras is facing a severe climate crisis driven by the El Niño phenomenon, which has triggered a widespread drought affecting 234 of the country's 298 municipalities. At least 75 municipalities are currently under a red alert. The drought is impacting water access, livestock, and agriculture, threatening the livelihoods of thousands and risking between 6,000 and 8,000 jobs in the southern region.
In response, the Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG) is implementing several emergency measures. These include a 120-day emergency declaration, the distribution of seeds and fertilizers, and the construction of water reservoirs. The government is also evaluating cloud seeding using silver iodide to stimulate rainfall over approximately 30 million hectares, including the Dry Corridor and Tegucigalpa. This technique, which could potentially increase rainfall by 20%, is being discussed with specialists from Mexico.
In the capital, the water emergency in the Central District has been extended until December 15, 2026, due to critically low levels in the Los Laureles and La Concepción dams. Authorities have warned that if sustained rainfall does not occur in September, water distribution cycles may be extended from nine to 12 days. Experts have also recommended authorizing the import of basic grains to prevent food shortages and mitigate the impact on vulnerable populations.
Entities
Adalid Irías · Banco Central de Honduras · Bayer · CONVEAGRO · FOSDEH · Foro Social de la Deuda Externa y Desarrollo de Honduras · Honduras · Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas · Moisés Abraham Molina · Moisés Molina · Observatorio en Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional · Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Agrobosques project aims to distribute 15 million coffee plants to benefit over 5,000 producers.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Hydrology expert Wilmer Reyes states that the drought affects approximately 3 million people in Honduras, deepening hunger and poverty. www.tunota.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The coffee harvest is projected to increase by over one million quintals compared to the previous period.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The drought and rising production costs in southern Honduras threaten between 6,000 and 8,000 jobs over the next six to eight months.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The OBSAN report indicates that 1.8 million Hondurans face food insecurity due to climate and market factors. proceso.hn
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Honduras projects a coffee harvest of approximately 7.3 million quintals.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The agricultural expert recommends authorizing basic grain imports to mitigate production deficits caused by drought. www.hondurasensusmanos.info
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG) is evaluating cloud seeding using silver iodide to stimulate rainfall over 30 million hectares. elproselitista.hn
- [● 3 SOURCES] The government declared a 120-day emergency in 75 municipalities across departments including Choluteca, Comayagua, El Paraíso, Francisco Morazán, La Paz, and Valle. www.elinformativo.hn
- [● 2 SOURCES] As of August 18, 234 of the 298 municipalities in Honduras are under some level of drought alert, with 75 in red alert. extradigital.hn
- [● 4 SOURCES] The SAG is evaluating cloud seeding using silver iodide to stimulate rainfall over approximately 30 million hectares, including the Dry Corridor and Tegucigalpa. elproselitista.hn
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cloud seeding could increase rainfall by up to 20%.