Critical Drought in Durango: An Urgent Call for Action

The drought situation facing the state of Durango is critical and requires efficient management and mitigation measures to address its effects, according to the local director of the National Water Commission (Conagua), Roberto Delgado Gallegos.

Severity

As of the most recent update on January 31, 2025, from the Drought Monitor in Mexico (MSM), 84.7% of the state of Durango is experiencing some degree of drought. The distribution is as follows: 3.3% in exceptional drought, 28.6% in extreme drought, 23.2% in severe drought, 17.2% in moderate drought, and only 15.3% unaffected.

Effects

The lack of water has significantly reduced agricultural production, affecting essential crops such as corn and beans, and has led to a decrease in meat and dairy production, severely impacting livestock farmers, lamented Delgado Gallegos.

Authorities stress the urgent need for an integrated water management approach, enhanced rainwater harvesting and storage infrastructure, improved agricultural irrigation technology, increased use of treated wastewater, and projects to recharge aquifers through reforestation efforts. Furthermore, it is essential to adapt agricultural production with more resilient crops and promote climate change adaptation programs.

Looking ahead, the Director Local of Conagua warned that the impending arrival of the "La Niña" climatic phenomenon could exacerbate the drought, reducing rainfall in the region.