Why in News?
Ecuador has declared a nationwide red alert due to the El Niño climate phenomenon, amid concerns over drought, wildfires and disruptions to agriculture and other economic activities. The move comes as several countries in Central and Latin America face the effects of the weather event.
Key Highlights
- Ecuador declared a red alert across the country in response to the El Niño episode.
- The alert activates emergency committees responsible for precautionary evacuations and other response measures.
- El Salvador, Honduras and Panama have also declared emergencies linked to El Niño.
- Parts of Peru have declared states of emergency because of extreme weather conditions.
- Ecuador is particularly concerned about drought and wildfires, including in its Amazon region.
- El Niño is also contributing to severe weather conditions in parts of Central America and Indonesia.
What is El Niño?
El Niño is a periodic climate phenomenon associated with the unusual warming of surface waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
This warming disrupts normal atmospheric circulation and can alter:
- Rainfall patterns
- Wind patterns
- Surface temperatures
- Atmospheric pressure
- Marine ecosystems
- Agriculture and fisheries
The effects of El Niño vary from region to region. Some areas experience drought and heat, while others may receive excessive rainfall and flooding.
