Eight Colombian Cities on Red Alert as El Niño Triggers Water Shortages and Fires
Eight Colombian capital cities remain on red alert due to risks associated with the El Niño phenomenon, mainly because of possible water shortages and an increase in vegetation fires. The warning was issued by the Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales), which identified Santa Marta, San Andres, Riohacha, Quibdo, Cucuta, Ibague, Neiva, and Pasto as […]
Eight major cities in Colombia are under a red alert due to potential water scarcity and heightened fire risks caused by El Niño. The Colombian Association of Capital Cities (Asocapitales) has identified Santa Marta, San Andres, Riohacha, Quibdo, Cucuta, Ibague, Neiva, and Pasto as the most vulnerable regions. The National Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (Ideam) predicts that the impacts of El Niño could persist until early 2027, with the most intense phase expected in the final months of 2026.
Asocapitales reports that water shortages pose the greatest concern, accounting for 77% of the risks faced by the cities, while vegetation fires account for 64%. Cities like Medellin and Cali have already experienced disruptions to water services and increased drought conditions, while Leticia faces concerns about its Amazon River levels.
The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) has recorded wildfires affecting 78 people, 14 homes, 10 buildings, and one water supply system, with over 119,000 hectares of crops and productive systems impacted. Authorities are preparing for the peak intensity of El Niño during the last quarter of 2026, with a 90% probability of continued conditions into early 2027 and a high likelihood of exceptional intensity.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
