The government in Ecuador has declared a state of emergency due to power shortages.
In order to ration energy, power is to be switched off for several hours in various regions of the South American country, the Ministry of Energy announced in a Wednesday statement.
In addition, Thursday and Friday have been declared non-working days by decree. President Daniel Noboa dismissed Energy Minister Andrea Arrobo and a number of other officials. They are accused of concealing the true extent of the energy crisis.
Due to acute drought, historic lows have been recorded in the region's reservoirs. Ecuador generates 78% of its electricity from hydropower.
In addition, Colombia recently stopped exporting electricity to Ecuador because the neighbouring country is also struggling with shortages due to the drought.
"There is no simple, short-term solution," said new acting Energy Minister Roberto Luque. According to experts, the country has failed to invest in the energy sector for years.