El Niño persists: Magdalena River low levels continue in lower basin despite rains

Despite recent rainfall improving conditions in the upper and middle Magdalena and Cauca basins, six stretches in the lower basin remain at critically low levels, as warned by fishing communities and Ideam since mid-August. The persistence of El Niño-driven drought conditions threatens river transport, fishing livelihoods, and water supply in Colombia's main river artery. The situation remains dynamic, with uncertainty over how long the lower basin will take to recover.