OAS Report: El Niño 2027 Threatens Water, Food, and Power Across Latin America and Caribbean

Phys.org · 2026-10-28
OAS Report: El Niño 2027 Threatens Water, Food, and Power Across Latin America and Caribbean

A new report co-authored by the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS) warns that the El Niño phenomenon expected in 2027 could slash rainfall by up to 80% in some areas while triggering torrential downpours, severe flooding, and landslides in others across Latin America and the Caribbean. The OAS urges its member states to bolster prevention and preparedness efforts during the final months of 2026 to mitigate the impact on water supplies, food production, and energy generation. The report highlights the stark regional divide: some nations face prolonged drought that could cripple agriculture and hydropower, while others confront the immediate dangers of extreme precipitation and unstable terrain. By acting now, governments can reduce risks to critical infrastructure and vulnerable communities before the phenomenon peaks.