Puno faces severe drought and El Niño threats to agriculture

The Puno region in Peru is facing a critical situation due to prolonged humidity shortages, insufficient rainfall, and the impending El Niño phenomenon. According to reports from the National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (SENAMHI), this drought threatens the food security of over 1.3 million people who depend on high-Andean agriculture and livestock.

Approximately 99% of the region's crops, including potato, quinoa, and barley, are at risk. Soil moisture in several localities has dropped below 20%, with crops showing poor development. The livestock sector is also severely impacted, particularly alpacas and llamas, which are experiencing increased mortality rates and abortions due to limited natural pasture growth.

Additionally, Lake Titicaca is experiencing declining water levels, with a projected drop of up to 60 cm by December. Tributary rivers are also flowing below historical averages. Local organizations are calling for the implementation of an agricultural emergency fund to provide forage, water storage infrastructure, and drought-resistant seeds.