Guatemala declares red alert in Trifinio region due to drought

Guatemala has declared a red alert in the Trifinio Region due to severe drought and agroclimatic risks driven by the El Niño phenomenon. The alert covers 15 municipalities in Guatemala, 22 in Honduras, and eight districts in El Salvador, a border area managed under a SICA treaty since 1997.

Vice President Karin Herrera has instructed various ministries to implement emergency measures. The plan includes deploying 124 medical and nutritional brigades, accelerating food delivery, and establishing strategic grain reserves. To protect vulnerable populations, the government aims to set reference prices for basic goods and fuel to prevent unjustified price hikes.

The drought has significantly impacted maize and bean crops, rural employment, and food security. Additionally, the receding water levels in Lake Güija, shared with El Salvador, threaten local fishing, agriculture, and community water supplies. Financial measures include providing zero-interest loans to small farmers and supporting the livestock sector.