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Subject

The severe drought that has hit Colombia's agricultural and energy sectors.

Significance

Abnormal climatic conditions associated with the El Nino phenomenon have produced record high temperatures and severe droughts in Colombia over recent months, damaging agricultural output and threatening operations at the hydroelectric power projects which generate the majority of domestic energy supplies. The government has sought to avoid large-scale service interruptions by implementing restrictions on water and energy use in the worst-affected areas. Though these measures have mitigated some of the weather's adverse effects, Colombia's agricultural and energy sectors are not expected to recover until water levels do.

Impacts

The drought may lead to a downward revision of economic growth estimates for 2016 as several sectors face falls in output.

Individuals and companies deemed to be engaging in excessive or wasteful use of utilities may face sanctions from authorities.

Community resentment of water-intensive industries, such as mining, will increase as locals suffer from the drought.

The need to guarantee continuity in electricity supplies will lead to additional unplanned costs for some industries.

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