The drought caused by the climate phenomenon known as El Niño will hit five of Honduras's 18 departments hard in 2010, and at least 50,000 families are likely to face food problems, according to a government source. Juan José Reyes, of the Permanent Committee for Contingencies, told Tierramérica that the departments of Choluteca and Valle, in the south, Francisco Morazán, in the central region, and Copán and Intibucá in the west will be affected and are the areas with highest concentration of poverty.

“We have planned the necessary food aid, but if water shortages continue as they have until now, almost the entire country will face serious food problems,” said Reyes.

El Niño has already affected much of the country. Tegucigalpa has potable water reserves for just three months.