Ecuador Faces Power Cuts Amid Severe Drought Crisis

Ecuador's government has announced a nine-hour electricity suspension in 12 of its 24 provinces on Sunday due to a severe drought impacting hydroelectric plants. The nation is also implementing nightly power cuts and has placed 19 areas on red alert to address water shortages and other related crises.

Ecuador's government has declared a nine-hour electricity suspension on Sunday in half of the nation's provinces amid a severe drought that has dwindled water levels at hydroelectric plants.

The blackout will occur from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, as part of broader efforts to manage the country's worst drought in 61 years. The government had earlier announced eight-hour nightly power cuts from Monday to Thursday.

To address the escalating crisis, the Emergency Operations Committee convened, resulting in the suspension decision aimed at protecting crucial water resources. Environment Minister Ines Manzano emphasized the gravity of the situation, citing water shortages, fires, and food security issues affecting 19 provinces.

(With inputs from agencies.)