Extended canícula could affect subsistence crops in dry Corridor areas

In low rainfall areas of the dry corridor, the seasonal dry spell began at the end of June, registering more than fifteen days without rain to date. The crops in full development of the fruit have started showing signs of water stress and wilt in specific areas, which could cause food security problems, whose magnitude and intensity is not yet possible to estimate.

Although the prices of corn and beans will begin to decrease as the Primera harvest reaches the markets, the purchasing power of those households dependent on the sale of coffee may be affected due to the low sale prices.

According to the climate projections, a second rainy season is expected within the normal ranges for the coming months, with a possible early termination - in mid-October -, so the Postrera harvest could be below average, if there is a late sowing.

Survivors of the Fuego volcano eruption are receiving humanitarian assistance in transitional shelters. Households in neighboring communities have food access and availability problems due to the lahars that descend from the volcano, as well as crop and sources of work losses. However, they are being assisted with food stamps for three months, leading to minimum food insecurity.