COLOMBIA (3 February) Abnormally warm and dry conditions persist
in the northwestern parts of the country, where about nine weeks
of moisture deficit have accumulated. Severe dry conditions are
also reported along the Andean mountain range, in the mountain
valleys, and along the Caribbean and parts of the northern
Pacific coasts. Water reservoir levels are reported low and
water and electric power rationing measures have been adopted in
some areas, particularly in the northern departments of Guajira,
Magdalena and Bolivar. Similar measures have been implemented in
the central departments of Santander, Cundimarca, and Tolima, as
well in the departments of Cauca and Nariño in the south- west.
The number of forest fires continues to increase because of the
drought and river transportation and access to marine ports have
become increasingly difficult. By contrast, heavy rains and
flooding are reported in some regions of the Pacific coast, as
well as in the interior departments of Caquetá and Putumayo,
where lands