Easing El Nino’s bite

Colombia has launched an emergency plan to combat the impact of the latest El Nino weather pattern, which has led to drought in several regions, causing livestock deaths and crop damage. Among the measures announced by President Juan Manuel Santos are drilling wells, purchasing water trucks, subsidising animal feed and offering financing to the agricultural sector. Santos said Colombia would also buy helicopters and other equipment to fight wildfires sparked by the hot, dry weather. He also urged Colombians to reduce water consumption, saying the worst of the drought was still to come.