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Colombia + 4 more

Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 24 January 2025

Attachments

KEY FIGURES

  • 53.7K people affected by armed attacks in Catatumbo, Colombia
  • 30.8M hectares in Brazil burned by wildfires in 2024, a 79% increase from 2023
  • 1.4K people across Ecuador affected by severe flooding

COLOMBIA: DISPLACEMENT

The humanitarian situation in the north-eastern Catatumbo region continues to deteriorate, with more than 53,700 people affected due to clashes between two non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and actions targeting the population. Over the course of just one week, forced displacement has reached 80 per cent of the total mass displaced population nationwide in 2024. More than 41,200 people have been displaced, and 12,500 remain confined. The municipality of Cúcuta is receiving 46 per cent of the displaced population, primarily from nine municipalities in Catatumbo, straining local capacities. Additionally, 95 per cent of the confined population remains in rural areas, mainly in Tibú.

With 500 teachers displaced, the number of children and adolescents out of school has risen to 47,000. Immediate action is required, particularly to ensure urgent protection for community leaders and affected populations, guarantees for medical missions, the restoration of educational services, tailored support for refugees and immediate humanitarian assistance.

The Local Coordination Team (LCT) and Humanitarian Access Working Group are closely monitoring the situation regarding access restrictions to humanitarian organizations in certain municipalities.

SOUTH AMERICA: WILDFIRES

In Chile, wildfires in Los Sauces, Araucanía, have burned nearly 1,100 hectares since 19 January. Authorities reported three firefighter fatalities, nine injuries, and evacuation orders across affected municipalities. While authorities have contained the fire, 74 fires remain active nationwide, with officials warning the fire season could last until May. In Argentina, mid-January fires in Epuyén have consumed 2,934 hectares, displaced 1,500 people, and damaged 225 structures. Fires in Nahuel Huapi National Park and Chubut province have burned an additional 7,000 hectares. In Brazil, wildfires burned 30.86 million hectares in 2024, exceeding Italy’s land area and marking a 79 per cent increase over 2023. Experts attribute the surge to El Niño and Brazil’s worst drought since 1950, raising concerns for 2025.

ECUADOR: FLOODING

Since 16 January, severe flooding in Ecuador’s coastal and highland regions has affected at least 1,430 people (380 families), damaging homes, crops, and infrastructure. In Los Ríos, Guayas, and Esmeraldas, overflowing rivers have caused flooding in cantons like Simón Bolívar and over 25 sectors in Guayaquil, where accumulated waste has worsened drainage. In the highlands, rising river levels in Chimborazo and Cañar have led to landslides in Alausí and affected five parishes in Baños de Agua Santa. Government agencies, supported by the Red Cross and Fire Department, are cleaning drains and sewers to reduce further damage. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology forecasts continued rain and storms through January, prompting authorities to maintain caution and implement response measures.

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