Colombia’s Ministry of Housing, City and Territory has identified 558 municipalities and non-municipalized areas at high or very high risk from the possible impacts of El Niño, according to a territorial analysis designed to guide preparations for drinking water and basic sanitation.
The ministry’s official document says El Niño conditions could persist until the first quarter of 2027. It classifies 111 of the analyzed territories as very high risk and 447 as high risk, noting that historical impacts from such events have concentrated mainly in the Andean and Caribbean regions.
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The main risks cited are reduced water availability, infrastructure damage from forest fires, and deterioration in water quality caused by lower source availability and a greater concentration of contaminants.
To address them, the ministry issued a circular to mayors, governors, territorial entities, public service providers and community managers with guidelines to anticipate effects on supply sources and aqueduct systems. The recommendations include identifying alternative supply sources, recovering existing wells when technically and environmentally viable, determining system autonomy, permanently monitoring sources, and ensuring equipment is available for emergencies. The circular also calls for stronger control of water losses, efficient water use, and the establishment of loading points, routes and capacities for tanker-truck supply.
#ElNino | A rapidly strengthening El Niño could become the strongest on record.
NOAA says there is a 75% chance it will reach historic intensity by the end of 2026, potentially exceeding previous events in records dating to 1950.Its influence is already being felt across global… pic.twitter.com/WTTGEGpTVy
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) September 15, 2026
The ministry’s statement warns that preparations must account for a mixed scenario: increased likelihood of drought, shortages and forest fires alongside intense rains that can trigger flooding, mass movements and flash floods.
A powerful El Niño is taking shape, raising concerns across Latin America.
From rising temperatures to shifts in rainfall patterns and extreme weather, the climate phenomenon could have far-reaching impacts across the region.
Watch our video to learn what a stronger El… pic.twitter.com/v8UsT8irFB
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) September 10, 2026
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