Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 21 March 2025

KEY FIGURES

• 300K people affected by a major oil spill in Ecuador
• 216K families affected by heavy rainfall and flooding in Bolivia
• 60K people displaced due to armed violence in the past month in ZMPAP, Haiti

SOUTH AMERICA: HEAVY RAINFALL

BOLIVIA: As of 17 March, heavy rainfall and flooding has affected more than 216,000 families in 186 municipalities across 9 departments, an increase of more than 130 per cent since 17 February. Nationwide, 73 municipalities have declared a disaster and 19 a state of emergency, while a red hydrological alert remains in place for 105 municipalities due to rising river levels and imminent overflow risks. Humanitarian assistance has been mobilized, including nearly 115 tons of aid, but needs continue to grow as rains persist.

ECUADOR: Severe flooding and landslides continue to worsen, now affecting more than 108,000 people across multiple provinces, including Manabí, Guayas, and Pichincha. As of 19 March, the death toll has risen to 20, with six people still missing and 95 injured. Nearly 30,000 houses have been damaged, with 138 destroyed.

ECUADOR: OIL SPILL

On 13 March, a major oil pipeline ruptured in Esmeraldas province, contaminating several rivers and coastal areas. The spill has affected more than 300,000 people, primarily due to the suspension of potable water, heightening health risks and social tensions. Respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses are rising, especially among children, pregnant women and the elderly. The Government declared a state of emergency in the cantons of Quinindé, Esmeraldas, Atacames, and Rioverde. Despite activated Emergency Operations Committees (COEs) and water distribution efforts, gaps in coverage persist, fueling protests and unrest. The crisis is further compounded by ongoing security challenges and heavy rains. On 20 March, the Government formally requested UN assistance, including support from the Joint Environment Unit (JEU) and UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) to aid in containment and relief efforts.

HAITI: VIOLENCE & DISPLACEMENT

In the past month alone, violence in Haiti’s capital has displaced over 60,000 people, marking a sharp increase in an already dire humanitarian crisis. Armed attacks since 11 March have displaced more than 23,510 people across several neighbourhoods in Port-au-Prince, including Carrefour-Feuilles, Bas Peu de Chose, Avenue Christophe, Bois Verna and Morne à Tuf. Thousands of displaced are seeking refuge in 48 displacement sites, including 12 newly established ones, while others have turned to host families. Many have been displaced multiple times, further straining already overcrowded sites. Despite ongoing efforts, the scale of need far exceeds available resources. IOM is urging the international community to provide additional support to both displaced communities and security forces to help restore stability and meet urgent needs. With over 1 million displaced across the country, the situation in Haiti remains critical.

COLOMBIA: MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS

For 25 days from late February to 12 March, non-state armed groups (NSAGs) blocked waterways and boats from the port of Buenaventura, restricting the movement of approximately 64,800 people in La Tola, El Charco, and Santa Bárbara, municipalities in the Sanquianga subregion in Nariño. The blockade was enforced through extortion demands on passing boats. Consequently, communities faced severe shortages of food, medicine, hygiene products, and other basic supplies. Although access has now been restored, mobility restrictions persist, and NSAGs continue to exert pressure on both the local population and institutions.