The story so far · 3 days, October 17 to 20, 2026
One Turn followed this story across 3 editions, from Northwest Uruguay on October 17, 2026. Newest first.
The canal relies on freshwater lakes to operate its locks. A drought in 2023 forced restrictions on transits, and the current El Niño is the strongest on record.
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Failed rains and a strong El Niño are threatening the water supply of the Panama Canal, according to the Guardian. Farmers are selling cattle as pastures dry out.
Why it matters: Low water levels can limit ship transits through a route that carries a significant share of world trade.
Sources: The Guardian · See it on the globe
Heavy El Niño-linked rains have flooded areas of South America, forcing residents to flee and leaving cattle swimming. Uruguay warned its drenched northwest faces its heaviest rain of the year in coming months.
Why it matters: Flooding threatens livelihoods and agriculture in a major food-exporting region.
Sources: The Hindu · See it on the globe
El Niño rains are flooding parts of South America, sending residents fleeing, and Uruguay warns its drenched northwest faces more heavy rain. NASA satellites are tracking what it calls a historic 2026 El Niño.
Sources: The Hindu, NASA · See it on the globe