Latin American governments prepare for El Nino as drought, floods and heat loom

Previous strong El Nino occurrences have resulted in billions of dollars in damages across Latin America, leading to severe droughts in some areas and triggering floods and landslides in others. These events have disrupted agriculture, strained drinking water supplies, fueled wildfires, and reduced hydroelectric power generation, causing energy shortages.

Martinez emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating, “Now is the time for decisions, for effective preparedness and the political consistency to really be proactive this time.” He added, “El Nino is confirmed. El Nino is ongoing. It’s not simply a possibility.”

Countries are implementing varied strategies based on their specific risks. In hydropower-dependent nations like Ecuador, this could involve bringing thermal power online to compensate for lower reservoir levels during dry periods. Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and northern South America are already experiencing drier-than-normal conditions, which are expected to expand into the Amazon basin, increasing concerns about water availability, agriculture, and wildfire risk.

Brazil has hired over 4,600 federal personnel for wildfire prevention and response, while Colombia has enhanced its wildfire preparedness and water-monitoring systems. Ecuador is focusing on flood mitigation and agricultural recovery, with local authorities clearing drainage channels and stabilizing hillsides. Costa Rica has launched more than 200 measures under its national contingency plan, and Panama is developing plans to address potential impacts on the Panama Canal's operations due to lower rainfall.

Colombia's environment minister, Irene Vélez, noted that while El Nino is not new, its intensity and potential duration are concerning. Martinez warned that uneven preparations and delayed decisions by some authorities could leave governments scrambling to respond as impacts intensify. He stressed the importance of acting in advance, stating, “Be prepared in advance, in a serious way. The information is there. Now is the time for decisions.” Vélez added that adapting to increasingly extreme conditions is a broader challenge for governments.