The El Niño phenomenon that extended Colombia’s last dry season is now responsible for an early end of the rainy season. The “summer” that now follows will be hot and dry, experts say.
According to the director of Colombia’s meteorological institute IDEAM, Ricardo Lozano, the country is now preparing to face this extended period of drought.
As a result of the long dry period from May to October, and a short rainy season that did not result in the rainfall that was expected, the level of rivers is lower than usual after a rainy season, which could result in lacks of electricity.
In an interview with newspaper El Espectador, Lozano warns that “summer” will not only arrive sooner, but will probably last longer too.
Authorities have already updated their distaster prevention plans, are being extra cautious about forest fires and have warned people not be exposed to the sun too much to avoid dehydration in case of a heatwave.
Despite the historically short rainy season, thirteen people were killed and four are still missing following landslides and floods triggered by heavy rainfall.