State of Emergency Declared in Ecuador Amid Energy Crisis

New Delhi: Acknowledging critical state of country’s energy sector, Ecuor's President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency on Friday. energy crisis has alrey led to rationing in South American country.

crisis has disrupted power supply across country. President Noboa, who took office in November, declared an energy emergency and instituted electricity cuts earlier this week.

However, power cuts will be suspended on Sunday for a referendum he looks set to win on a raft of security measures.

After assuming office, he first declared state of emergency in January, and sought to curb surging crime by fostering more coordination between military and police.

In a decree published on his office's website, Noboa ordered deployment of military and police personnel to guard energy infrastructure during 60-day state of emergency.

emergency declaration is meant to "guarantee continuity of public service of electricity," according to decree.

Ecuor relies mostly on hydroelectrical sources for much of its power.

energy crisis brewed after a drought, driven by climate phenomenon known as El Nino, hit hydroelectric dams.