Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is facing a severe water crisis as reservoirs dry up due to prolonged drought conditions. Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan has issued an urgent call for water conservation measures, including urging residents to limit bathing and encouraging couples to shower together to reduce water wastage.

Mayor Galan emphasized the importance of behavioral changes in conserving water resources, stating that refraining from regular bathing and showering together are necessary steps to address the crisis. He urged residents to take advantage of days when they do not leave their homes to minimize water usage.

The water scarcity situation has led to widespread disruptions in the water supply system across Bogotá, affecting the daily lives of its residents. The drought is attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has caused a significant decrease in rainfall and drying up of reservoirs.

In response to the crisis, Mayor Galan urged citizens to be mindful of their water usage and to make efforts to conserve water whenever possible. He emphasized the need for collective action to ensure the sustainable use of Bogotá's water resources.

The water shortage in Bogotá is part of a larger trend affecting major cities in Latin America, with Mexico City also implementing water rationing measures in response to dwindling water supplies. Additionally, Guatemala has declared a state of emergency to address wildfires sparked by the drought.

El Niño, characterized by warmer-than-average sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, is known to cause extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. The current El Niño episode has had a devastating impact on regions reliant on agriculture and fishing, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate its effects.