Guatemala Warns of Drought and Agricultural Impact from Looming El Niño

Guatemala is bracing for the potential impact of the El Niño phenomenon, with authorities warning of a significant drought expected between June and August. The National Institute of Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (Insivumeh) estimates an 88% probability that El Niño will affect Guatemala and the wider Central American region. This forecast is particularly concerning for Guatemala, a nation heavily reliant on agriculture.

Preliminary reports suggest that the drought could lead to rainfall deficits of up to 300 millimeters in regions like Guatemala's Dry Corridor, indicating a severe lack of water. The last significant El Niño event in 2014 had a notable impact on the country. The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred) has alerted municipalities and governors, issuing protocols to manage the upcoming dry, hot period, known locally as 'canícula.'

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Existe un 88 % de probabilidad de que El Niño afecte a Guatemala y toda Centroamérica

Beyond the agricultural impact, authorities are also concerned about an increased risk of wildfires. This year has already seen 1,289 fires extinguished, with 13 still active. Conred is implementing preventative measures and has prepared resources, including 2,000 shelters and eight warehouses stocked with food and supplies, to assist affected populations. The agency also has 50 Immediate Response Brigades ready to address emergencies, whether from drought or the subsequent rainy season, which typically runs from late October to early November. The government's proactive stance aims to mitigate the worst effects of both the impending drought and the potential challenges of the rainy season.

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en las regiones como el Corredor Seco de Guatemala el déficit de lluvia podría llegar hasta los 300 milímetros, es decir, una sequía severa