Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 2 August 2024

CARIBBEAN: HURRICANE BERYL

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada are facing food insecurity after Hurricane Beryl caused extensive agricultural damage. In Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the hurricane wiped out 98 per cent of banana and plantain crops and devastated the lobster and fisheries sector. This adds to the ongoing challenges from the 2021 volcanic eruption, COVID-19-related supply chain disruptions, and drought. With the peak of the 2024 hurricane season approaching, the country is increasingly vulnerable in food insecurity. Grenada’s agricultural sector also suffered greatly, with nearly 100 per cent of crops affected. The destruction of crucial food sources and economic staples in both countries highlights the urgent need for recovery strategies to prevent further crises. The pressure on local economies and food supplies is immense as both nations struggle to address the compounded losses and disrupted livelihoods.

COLOMBIA: DISPLACEMENT

Ongoing displacements and confinements continue to severely impact the civilian population in Arauca. The presence of non-state armed groups (NSAGs) in the municipalities of Puerto Rondón and Tame is exacerbating the situation. The latest reports confirm the displacement of 128 people from the rural areas of La Esmeralda and Normandía in Puerto Rondón due to armed clashes between NSAGs on July 19. There are warnings of possible confinements in the villages of El Letrero, El Ripial, El Palón, Palmar, El Paisaje, and La Esmeralda. Currently, 20 people remain missing, and there are reports of individual displacements between rural areas. In the municipality of Tame, clashes between NSAGs, and combats between a NSAG and the National Army, have caused further displacements in rural areas, with a preliminary estimate of 200 people affected. Additionally, 19 rural areas and one indigenous reserve remain confined, impacting approximately 4,000 people in Flor Amarillo, Santo Domingo, and Morichal de Bochalema districts.

CENTRAL AMERICA: DENGUE

Dengue cases in the Americas have seen a dramatic increase in 2024. As of 25 July, the region reported 10,735,818 suspected cases, a 233 per cent rise from the same period in 2023, and 419 per cent higher than the average over the past five years. In Central America cases have skyrocketed. Panama has experienced a 232 per cent increase in cases, with 8,774 reported by July. This has led to 20 fatalities, surpassing the total number of deaths for all of 2023. Guatemala is reporting 53,489 dengue cases in 2024, well over the 5,594 reported at this time last year. In El Salvador, dengue cases continue to rise, with 4,458 suspected cases recorded by 27 July 2024. The country has seen 15 consecutive weeks of increasing numbers. Honduras is experiencing a severe outbreak with over 80,000 reported cases, more than twice as many as the 34,000 recorded in 2023.

CENTRAL AMERICA: FOOD INSECURITY

Central America is facing food insecurity during the June to September lean season due to climate shocks, reduced grain harvests, and high food prices, according to FEWS Net. Hardest-hit areas include the Dry Corridor, northern Honduras, and parts of Guatemala, all facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) situations. In Guatemala alone, some 2 to 2.5 million people are expected to require aid. Irregular rainfall and high temperatures have severely impacted food availability and incomes for poor rural households in Guatemala, leading to a projected Crisis status until the end of September. Some areas may improve to Stressed (IPC Phase 2) between October 2024 and January 2025 with upcoming harvests and increased labor demand. However, ongoing agricultural losses and high food prices are expected to continue to affect 1.5 to 2 million people. In northern Honduras and the Dry Corridor of El Salvador and Nicaragua, Crisis conditions are expected through August, with a possible 500,000 to 749,999 people needing assistance.