Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 21June 2024

COLOMBIA: DISPLACEMENT
In the municipalities of Policarpa and Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé, in the southwestern department of Nariño, more than 2,500 people have been displaced due to ongoing violence. In Policarpa, clashes between the national forces and a non-armed state group (NSAG) have persisted since 11 June, forcing some 1,911 people to flee in the rural areas of La Victoria, La Betania, Balbanera, Bella Esperanza, La Dorada, El Cairo, La Paloma, Santa Lucia, and Madrigal. Among the affected communities, 41 people are Venezuelan or Ecuadorian. Similarly, at least 250 Afro-descendant people from the rural area of Sanabria, in Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé, have been forced to flee to the urban area of Policarpa and El Ejido due to clashes and threats that have persisted since March. Another group of approximately 400 people from Sanabria is seeking refuge in the urban area of Santa Bárbara de Iscuandé. The lack of security or protection guarantees means populations are unable to return to their communities, particularly due to the presence of anti-personnel mines (APMs), improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and ongoing actions of NSAGs.

HAITI: ARMED VIOLENCE
Over the weekend of 15 June, violent gang attacks in the rural communities of Terre-Neuve and Gros-Morne in Haiti’s Artibonite department resulted in the death of 10 people and the destruction of multiple homes, according to media reports. Hundreds of residents also fled the area. Local human rights organizations have condemned the attacks and are calling for justice for victims. This incident reflects broader insecurity in Haiti, with armed groups controlling large areas, exacerbating humanitarian needs and restricting access to basic services. UN Human Rights Council Independent Experts are renewing calls for strengthened security, prioritization of protection for IDPs and the guarantee of access for humanitarian workers.

CENTRAL AMERICA & MEXICO:

HEAVY RAINS MEXICO:

Tropical Storm Alberto, the first of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, made landfall on 20 June close to the city of Tampico, in the eastern state of Tamaulipas, resulting in at least 4 fatalities and widespread damage. The storm brought heavy rainfall to Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo and Veracruz. Remnants are anticipated to bring further rainfall and flooding across northeastern Mexico, particularly Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. With an above-average 2024 Atlantic hurricane season predicted, Save the Children warns that around 126 million people live in hurricane-prone areas in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, of whom about 35 million are children.

EL SALVADOR:

Heavy rainfall in El Salvador has caused floods, landslides, and river overflows. As of 20 June,
the extreme weather has led to at least 12 fatalities and forced some 2,582 people to evacuate to 82 active shelters. On 16 June, authorities declared a national state of emergency and red alert, which will remain in place for the following 10 days due to ongoing rain risks. Initial assessments indicate that the rain, flooding and landslides have affected 74 highways, 180 streets and 79 homes and left some 15 communities with electricity. Classes and public activities remain suspended. More heavy rainfall is expected on 21-22 June.

HONDURAS:

Heavy rainfall and flooding are affecting communities in the west, southwest and south-central regions of Honduras, including Choluteca, Valle, Francisco Morazán, and Santa Bárbara. According to the Ministry of Risk and Contingency Management (COPECO), the weather has affected 6,105 people, displacing 1,288 and forcing the evacuation of a further 945. At least 36 communities, mostly in Valle, have been cut off. On 20 June, the red alert for departments on the southwestern coast was extended for a further 24 hours.