Water Scarcity

Severe drought in southern Lempira has destroyed corn crops and dried the Chayel River after only two storms in 2026, forcing farmers to sell livestock prematurely and threatening food security across the region.

Farmers in Sabanagrande, Francisco Morazán, are turning to hydroponic farming to maintain food production and cope with water scarcity amid climate variability.

The municipality of Gualcinse, Lempira, declared an emergency due to prolonged drought and climate change, reporting losses of approximately 1,400 acres of corn, 520 of beans, livestock feed shortages, and an 80% drop in river water levels.

The capital's water authority imposed fines of L 2,500 to L 20,000 (about $100–$800) on four residents over the weekend for using hoses to water gardens and wash vehicles, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy during the city's water shortage.