Drought in Tolima lowers river flows and hits tamale leaf production

High temperatures and an ongoing dry season in the Tolima region have led to severe drought conditions, reducing water levels and impacting local natural resources and water tributaries. The extreme weather has fueled forest fires that have destroyed more than 50,000 hectares of land.

In addition to the environmental damage, the drought is directly affecting productive activities tied to the region's cultural identity, most notably the production of leaves used for making tamales.