Colombia’s Two Largest Rivers, Cauca and Magdalena, are Drying Up
As a consequence of the El Niño phenomenon, the two Colombian main rivers, Cauca and Magdalena, see their flow levels decline. The first alerts had been issued at the beginning of this month, but in recent hours, reports on the situation have raised concern. The entity that has been warning about the situation is the […]
Colombia's two largest rivers, the Cauca and Magdalena, are experiencing a significant decline in water levels due to the El Niño phenomenon. The Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM) has confirmed that the rivers' flow levels are below historical averages for this time of year. The Magdalena River, in particular, has shown lower water flow levels, with the lowest reductions observed between Puerto Wilches (Santander) and El Banco (Magdalena). This stretch has experienced sustained declines and levels far below normal.
The situation has led to water stress in ecosystems and affected communities and fishermen along the Magdalena River in the Antioquia Magdalena Medio region. The Cauca River, the second-largest tributary, has also fallen to historic minimum levels, causing Hidroituango, a large hydroelectric plant, to operate at half capacity. Hidroituango, which generates 11% of the nation's electricity, is the country's primary energy supplier. The prolonged low water levels are expected to intensify due to rising ocean temperatures.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
