Water scarcity impacts Honduras, Colombia, and Venezuela

Multiple regions in Latin America are facing water security challenges driven by the El Niño phenomenon and drought conditions.

In Honduras, the Distrito Central is implementing stricter water rationing. Due to critically low levels in the Los Laureles and La Concepción reservoirs, residents in Tegucigalpa and Comayagüela will receive water every 12 days starting September 20. To mitigate the crisis, Mayor Juan Diego Zelaya announced plans to activate 41 wells, with an initial 15 scheduled for operation between September and October.

In Colombia, authorities are responding to varying levels of water stress. In Cali, the Meléndez River has reached a red alert due to low flow, though Emcali reports no immediate rationing risk. In Bogotá and Cundinamarca, the CAR has launched a study to identify and protect underground aquifers to safeguard future supplies. Additionally, regional discussions in Bucaramanga are focusing on climate adaptation and water governance.

In Venezuela, the state of Aragua has completed a new 120-meter deep well at the Hospital Central de Maracay to ensure a constant water supply for patients and medical staff.