Extreme drought causes wildfires and blackouts in South America

Ecuador is facing its worst drought in 60 years, leading to severe disruptions in its hydroelectric power generation, which supplies 70% of the country's electricity. With no significant rainfall for over two months, the government initiated planned power cuts, starting a day earlier than scheduled, affecting 12 provinces. The situation has escalated to a red alert in 15 provinces, including Quito, where water supplies have been rationed in 60 neighborhoods. The drought is not limited to Ecuador; it is part of a broader crisis affecting several South American countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. The Amazon and Pantanal regions have been severely impacted, with wildfires raging in Colombia, destroying nearly 11,000 hectares. Peru has declared a 60-day state of emergency in its jungle regions due to the fires exacerbated by the drought. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has attributed the crisis to a combination of natural factors and political failings, citing inadequate infrastructure maintenance and lack of contingency planning by previous governments. The current drought has led to critical water levels in hydroelectric plants, prompting fears of further cuts and emergency measures if conditions do not improve. The drought has also affected the Amazon River, leading to food supply issues and threatening local livelihoods. The Brazilian Geological Service reported record-low water levels in many rivers of the Amazon basin, highlighting the severe impact of climate change, which has made such extreme weather events more likely.