Severe drought in Venezuela reveals a submerged Andean town

Americas Now

The town of Potosi was founded in the 19th century. It was abandoned thirty years ago as Venezuela government decided to build a hydroelectric dam.

Since the 1970’s, Venezuela has been heavily dependent on hydroelectric power to provide the nation’s energy.

This year, a combination of increased demand and drought has caused the water levels to recede to historically low levels. As a result, long submerged valleys are being exposed again.

Correspondent Stephen Gibbs travels to the state of Tachira in the West of the country, where the town of Potosi has re-emerged. And he tells the story of the people who used to live there.

Severe drought in Venezuela reveals a submerged Andean town

The town of Potosi was founded in the 19th century. It was abandoned thirty years ago as Venezuela government decided to build a hydroelectric dam. Since the 1970's, Venezuela has been heavily dependent on hydroelectric power to provide the nation's energy. This year, a combination of increased demand and drought has caused the water levels to recede to historically low levels. As a result, long submerged valleys are being exposed again. Correspondent Stephen Gibbs travels to the state of Tachira in the West of the country, where the town of Potosi has re-emerged. And he tells the story of the people who used to live there. Take a look at Stephen’s package here.