El Niño, drought and blackouts in Venezuela

The El Niño phenomenon usually brings Venezuela less rain and more heat, with droughts that hit farming and, above all, the electricity supply.

The Guri dam and electricity

Much of the country's electricity depends on the Guri dam. When drought lowers the reservoir, the risk of rationing and blackouts rises, as has happened in years of strong El Niño.

How to prepare

In the dry season, conserve water and keep an eye on announcements. La Niña, by contrast, tends to bring more rain and a higher risk of flooding.