[REVISION HISTORY]

Forest fires and water scarcity in South America

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2026-09-30 03:46 UTC → 2026-09-30 20:03 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Severe forest fires and water scarcity, driven by high temperatures and the El Niño phenomenon, continue to impact South America. In Bolivia, the Santa Cruz government has declared an Orange Alert following a surge in fires affecting over 22,000 hectares. In Colombia, the crisis has expanded significantly. In the departments of Cundinamarca and Boyacá, El Niño has caused widespread water shortages. The Corporación Autónoma Regional de Cundinamarca (CAR) reports that 33% of its territory faces water scarcity due to decreased river flows and lack of rainfall. In Boyacá, municipalities including Buenavista, Caldas, San Miguel de Sema, and Saboyá are facing supply difficulties, with Buenavista under an orange alert involving partial water cuts. In Cundinamarca, Puerto Salgar and Viotá have declared public calamities, while Villeta, Caparrapí, Tocaima, and El Colegio are under red alerts. Additionally, the Unidad Administrativa Especial de Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UAEGRD) recorded 828 forest fires in Cundinamarca between January and September 2026, affecting approximately 3,140 hectares across 75 municipalities. ~~Emergency teams are utilizing water tankers~~ In Santander, the municipality of Puerto Parra is experiencing a critical shortage as high temperatures have dried up local streams, leading to ~~support urban~~ rationing measures in areas like Chaguaní. The crisis also presents significant economic risks; experts suggest a severe El Niño could add between 0.7 and ~~rural aqueducts.~~ 1.9 percentage points to annual inflation. Furthermore, the energy sector is vulnerable because Colombia relies on hydroelectric power for approximately 82% of its electricity. In Tolima, authorities continue to battle fires in Dolores, Coyaima, and Ataco. In Dolores, near the Galilea forest, responders are managing an unusual underground fire where flames spread beneath the inert vegetation layer, making aerial support less effective and requiring ground-based excavation and cooling. Luis Cárdenas, director of Risk Management for Tolima, reported that between 14 and 15 hectares have been affected by the Dolores fire. In Coyaima, recent rainfall has helped control active fires, allowing officials to shift focus toward assessing damages and providing agricultural supplies to livestock producers and affected families.

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