Did you know that the El NiƱo phenomenon has its name because it occurs at Christmas?

Did you know that the El NiƱo phenomenon has its name because it occurs at Christmas?

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Its name is due to the fact that fishermen noticed that its presence coincided with the season of celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus. This traditionally takes place in December.

According to the International Meteorological Organization, El NiƱo is a natural phenomenon characterized by fluctuating ocean temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. The increase in ocean temperature affects atmospheric activity and therefore there is increased rainfall in that area and at other latitudes. For example, this phenomenon manifests itself in periods of high temperatures and drought in Australia.

Historically, this climatic event has caused heavy rains, overflowing rivers, floods, and landslides in the ā€˜80s, resulting in great human and material losses. During 1982 and 1997, Ecuador felt the devastating effects of its passage most acutely.

Fortunately, new technologies have made it possible to predict the arrival and magnitude of this phenomenon with greater precision today. This year’s activity is expected to be intense in Ecuador, so prevention and mitigation efforts are being programmed.

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