Ecuador has declared an impending increase in daily electricity outages due to an ongoing severe drought that is drastically lowering water levels at essential hydroelectric facilities. These plants are responsible for generating over 70% of the country’s power.

Acting Energy Minister Inés Manzano announced late Thursday that the government is mandating power interruptions ranging from eight to 14 hours each day. This decision is a response to the deterioration of drought conditions that have intensified in recent days.

Similar to many neighboring South American nations, Ecuador is grappling with an extended dry season, which has contributed to the challenges facing its electricity supply.

The announcement of these extended outages comes shortly after President Daniel Noboa expressed hope that the power cuts would begin to lessen in frequency for the 17 million residents of Ecuador.

Minister Manzano acknowledged the difficulties being faced by citizens in light of this significant electricity crisis, as she conveyed her message through a video broadcast on X.

Since mid-September, Ecuador has been utilizing a power rationing strategy that involved temporary cuts of up to 10 hours in numerous cities. However, the durations announced on Thursday represent the most severe measures implemented to date.

The ongoing drought impacting various South American countries has been attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon, which has exacerbated conditions across the region.