Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 9 August 2024

KEY FIGURES

66% chance of La Niña conditions by September-November 2024

$230.6M estimated economic losses in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines due to Hurricane Beryl

150 families in Colombia’s western departments displaced or confined since 31 July

CARIBBEAN: HURRICANE BERYL

According to the World Bank’s Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE) report, as of 26 July, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines suffered an estimated economic blow of US$230.6 million, a staggering 22 per cent of its 2023 GDP. The southern Grenadines bore the brunt, with damages totaling $186.8 million, or 81 percent of the national total. Over two-thirds of the damage hit buildings, leaving thousands homeless. Critical infrastructure, including power, water, and transportation, was destroyed, while the tourism industry, vital to the economy, suffered immense losses. This devastation has led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and growing food insecurity. Projects funded by the Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) have been approved and will focus on the rehabilitation of shelters and water systems, debris management, restoration of health services, and re-establishment of livelihoods.

COLOMBIA: DISPLACEMENT

On 31 July, clashes broke out between two Non-State Armed Groups (NSAG) on the San Juan River near the community of Chambacú, Choco. This incident heightened the risk of confrontations in Bocas de Sipí, leading to the forced displacement of at least 266 people (101 families) from Chambacú, Doidó and Barranconcito, to Istmina and Medio. This marks the second mass displacement in 2024 for some of these communities. Meanwhile, more than 180 people (50 families) from the Pitayo indigenous reservation in Silvia, Cauca, have been faced confinement since 1 August due to ongoing clashes between NSAG’s disputing control of the territory. The community has been caught in the crossfire, with a high risk of contamination from weapons. Additionally, on 6 August, clashes in Loma Linda village, Toribio, led to the suspension of classes for at least 1,802 students.

SOUTH AMERICA: WILDFIRES

Authorities warn that the intensity and frequency of wildfires in South America could be exacerbated by the upcoming La Niña phenomenon, which typically increases rainfall variability and leads to extended dry periods. According to the NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, there is a 66 per cent chance that La Niña conditions will emerge in September-November.

Peru: Throughout early August 2024, wildfires have been severely impacting Peru’s southwestern regions, including Ayacucho, Ancash, Apurímac, and Lima. The fires, which erupted within 48 hours, have destroyed vast areas of natural vegetation and agricultural land. Although there have been no reported casualties, the environmental and economic damage has been significant. Áncash has faced over 100 wildfires this year, worsening the existing energy and economic crisis.

Bolivia: In Bolivia, wildfires have devastated the eastern region, particularly affecting Chiquitano villages in Santa Cruz. Since early July, these fires have ravaged over 900,000 hectares, an area comparable to the entire state of New Jersey. Local communities, including Tuná and Cañón Verde, are struggling as the fires continue to threaten their homes and livelihoods. Despite containment efforts by residents and volunteer firefighters, there is a critical need for additional resources and support. On 7 August, Bolivian authorities requested support from the EU Civil Protection Mechanisms (UCPM), requesting aerial firefighting means, firefighters, firefighting tools and personal protective equipment. France offered two Ground Forest Firefighting (GFF) teams of approximately 108 people.

Ecuador: In Ecuador, authorities battled a wildfire on the slopes of Pichincha, just outside of Quito, where difficult terrain and nightfall complicated firefighting efforts. July saw over 150 wildfires in the region, burning more than 457 hectares.