Ecuador rations electricity as drought persists in the northern Andes
QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuador on Tuesday began to ration electricity in the country’s main cities as a drought linked to the El Niño weather pattern depletes reservoirs and limits output at hydroelectric plants that produce about 75% of the nation’s power.
The power cuts were announced on Monday night by the ministry of energy, which said in a statement that it would review its decision on Wednesday night.
“We urge Ecuadorians to cut their electricity consumption in this critical week,” the statement read. “And consider that each kilowatt and each drop of water that are not consumed will help us face this reality.”
The power cuts in Ecuador come days after dry weather forced Colombia’s capital city of Bogotá to ration water as its reservoirs reached record lows, threatening local supplies of tap water.
Precipitation has diminished in Ecuador and Colombia this year due to warming temperatures in the south Pacific Ocean, which can cause floods along South America’s west coast but can also generate intense droughts in the Andean valleys, where many of Ecuador’s and Colombia’s main cities are located.
Related articles
Israeli airstrike kills 14 in Gaza's refugee camp
People walk past damaged buildings after an Israeli airstrike in Maghazi refugee camp, central Gaza2024-04-30Christchurch man jailed for 14 years over role in US porn videos
The case was heard at a court in San Diego. Photo: Getty Images2024-04-30Westfield Bondi Junction evacuated after alleged stabbing and shots
Shots have reportedly been fired in a New South Wales shopping centre. (File photo) Photo: 123RF2024-04-30Otago councillors vote to delay notification of controversial land, water plan
Balclutha River, Otago Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon2024-04-30Oracle bone script art exhibition unveiled in South Africa
To celebrate the 2024 UN Chinese Language Day, the opening ceremony of "The Spirits on Turtle S2024-04-30Chemo services to remain in Wairoa permanently
Rural Nurse Specialist Nerys Williams administering chemotherapy treatment to patient Mel Pomana. Ph2024-04-30
atest comment