Colombia has declared a national disaster as an El Niño-driven drought pushes reservoir levels to critical lows, with the capital Bogotá facing imminent water rationing and officials warning of severe shortages.
The emergency declaration underscores the intensifying pressure on the country’s infrastructure and energy systems, which rely heavily on hydroelectric generation.
The development adds a layer of urgency to Colombia’s energy security outlook.
State-owned energy company Ecopetrol had previously outlined a supply strategy to manage power and gas demand during the El Niño phenomenon, including the mobilization of 234 megawatts of renewable energy capacity.
However, the declaration of a national disaster suggests that these preparatory measures may be insufficient to offset the severity of the current drought conditions.
The situation is further complicated by recent legal developments affecting domestic production.