El niño and the water crisis in colombia: a chronological revison of its impact and governamental responses

Abstract

According to IDEAM, between 1972 and 2025, Colombia has experienced at least eight severe El Niño events, with reductions in water availability of up to 40% in some regions and affecting more than 10 million people. Economic losses in key sectors, such as agriculture and hydroelectric generation, have exceeded USD $500 million in some critical periods (IDEAM, 2025).
Despite the predictability of these events, the government's response has been largely reactive, focusing on emergency measures such as rationing and supply with water tankers, rather than long-term preventive strategies. Compared to countries such as Peru, which has implemented water harvesting programs to mitigate droughts, Colombia lags behind in structural adaptation. This study analyzes the relationship between El Niño and the water crisis in Colombia through a chronological approach, identifying impact patterns and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented policies. A water management model based on prevention is proposed, with strategies such as strengthening infrastructure, diversification of water sources, and more efficient water planning.