The Colombian government has called upon the European Union to help drought-affected farmers in the country. The government has sought us $2.5 million aid in this regard.
The damaging effect of the warm Pacific current, El Nio, has forced Colombia to introduce water rationing in some parts of the country. Most of the local rivers and streams have fallen below their normal levels because of the lack of rainfall.
The regions which have been severely affected include Guajira and Santander in the north-east, the northern lowlands and parts of the central southern Andes.
Officials have warned that in some towns, normal supply will have to be replaced by water tankers. Water supplies in more than 100 municipalities had reached a critical level. Snow cover on mountain peaks has receded. The Institute of Hydrology and Meteorology (ideam) has suggested the government to declare emergency in the affected areas. According to reports, the average level of water in Colombia's reservoirs has dropped to 52 per cent of capacity and is expected to fall by another 20 points in the next two months.
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