Orange alert in Ibagué because of the effects of the El Niño phenomenon

Ibagué has been placed under an orange alert due to the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, according to local authorities. The municipal council for disaster risk management raised the alert level following increased reports of wildfires, reduced water availability in several sources, and early effects on the agricultural sector. This decision comes amid heightened concerns over environmental conditions linked to the ongoing climate pattern. The situation escalated during the weekend prior, with the department of Tolima reporting 68 forest fires that affected nearly 339 hectares. Some fires remain active, prompting emergency services to focus their efforts on controlling the blazes and protecting nearby communities. Humberto Leal, secretary of Environment and Risk Management, explained that raising the alert to orange was intended to activate emergency plans, prepare public service providers, and reinforce rescue organizations, including the official fire department. The decision to issue the orange alert was based on the rise in emergencies recorded over recent weeks and the damage already caused by El Niño across different sectors of the municipality. According to the Environmental and Risk Management Department, 181 incidents related to forest fires, vegetation burning, and other prohibited burns were reported in July alone, with Comuna Nueve being the most affected area. These numbers show a sharp increase compared to previous years, with 124 reports in July 2025 and just 16 in 2024. By the start of August, 42 new incidents had already been registered, indicating a rapid rise in such occurrences throughout the year. Water shortages have also worsened, with 75% of community water systems experiencing difficulties in supplying water to residents. Additionally, the agricultural sector faces potential losses of around 3,000 hectares of crops due to current weather conditions. Authorities have called for citizens to take preventive measures, including avoiding tree cutting near rivers and streams, properly disposing of solid waste, refraining from burning trash, and implementing water and energy conservation practices. Local officials emphasize the need for collective action to mitigate the risks associated with the El Niño phenomenon. They urge the population to adhere to safety guidelines and support initiatives aimed at reducing the likelihood of further disasters. With the forecast predicting continued dry conditions and higher temperatures, the outlook for the coming months remains challenging. The government has issued alerts for the probability of wildfires in Tolima for August 2026, highlighting the persistent threat posed by the changing climate patterns. Emergency response teams continue to monitor the situation closely, preparing for possible increases in both wildfire activity and water scarcity. Citizens are advised to stay informed and follow recommended precautions to safeguard their health and property.