Huila prepares for high‑probability El Niño impact on water and agriculture

Authorities in Colombia’s Huila department warned that the El Niño climate phenomenon has an 82% chance of materialising this year and could exceed 95% by year‑end. The Regional Autonomous Corporation of Alto Magdalena (CAM) convened officials from municipal governments, the governor’s office, agriculture agencies and the national Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam) to assess risks and plan preventive actions.

CAM issued directives for municipalities, water utilities and rural operators to safeguard water supplies, promote efficient water use, and limit non‑essential consumption such as pool filling and garden irrigation. The agency highlighted the expected economic fallout from reduced rainfall, including higher operating costs for water services, disrupted agricultural and livestock production, and potential water rationing that could affect thousands of residents.