September was Colombia’s driest month in twelve years, the Government announced Sunday. Because of this, authorities call on businesses and households to minimize the use of water.
Although there has been some rain over the weekend in Bogota, Medellin and some places on the northern Caribbean coast, Mining and Energey Minister Hernan Martinez warns Colombians that the current water volume is insufficient for the country’s hydro-electric power plants.
“We can not lwoer our guard concerning the rain deficit. The past two months we have endured a strong period of drought that worries us. Voluntary savings can help us overcome the climate situation,” the Minister told Caracol Radio.
The government has rationed the use of natural gas to be able to use electricity generated by gas as compensation for the lack of hydro-generated electricity.
Last week, the Minister said, the level of water in reservoirs dropped 67 percent; a record low in recent years. The government fears a further decline as the rainy season, usually starting mid-September, has not brought the anticipated quantities of water.
