Ecuador has initiated electricity rationing in its main cities due to a drought associated with the El Niño weather pattern, which has led to depleted reservoirs and reduced output at hydroelectric plants that typically generate 75% of the nation's power. The Ministry of Energy announced power cuts on Monday night, urging citizens to reduce electricity consumption to address the critical situation.
Colombia's capital, Bogotá, recently had to ration water as reservoir levels hit record lows, emphasizing the impact of dry weather in the region. The diminished precipitation in Ecuador and Colombia this year is attributed to warming temperatures in the south Pacific Ocean, causing droughts in the Andean valleys where major cities are situated.
