The Wayuu Indigenous community in La Guajira, Colombia, is increasingly affected by severe droughts and floods, driving food insecurity and displacement. Many live in informal settlements without basic services, facing health risks from inadequate water sources. The challenges are exacerbated by climate change, making traditional homes vulnerable and leading to greater community hardship. Non-governmental organizations are stepping in, but significant governmental support is still lacking.
In northern Colombia’s La Guajira, the Wayuu Indigenous community is increasingly affected by the dual crises of droughts and flooding, resulting in severe food insecurity and displacement. Nelly Mengual, a 47-year-old resident of an informal settlement, shares her struggles as recent flooding destroyed her home, underscoring the broader plight faced by many Wayuu people, who often lack basic amenities such as running water and electricity. The Wayuu, who traditionally inhabit regions across Colombia and Venezuela, face escalating hardships despite being born in Colombia.
The Wayuu people, the largest Indigenous group in Colombia, endure the impacts of climate change, with longer droughts followed by intense rain becoming more frequent. These weather extremes not only destroy homes and drain water sources but also threaten crops and heighten health risks related to waterborne diseases. Consequently, many families are compelled to migrate in search of resources, straining urban centers.
Ingrid Gonzalez, a Wayuu community leader, indicates that traditional mud homes are vulnerable during the rainy season, often collapsing under the pressure of flooding. Notably, Samuel Lanao, a representative of Corpoguajira, highlights the significant destruction brought by extreme weather events, noting a troubling rise in diseases such as dengue among Indigenous communities affected by climate change.
Camilo Martinez, representing the Danish Refugee Council, observes marked changes in weather patterns over his 14 years in La Guajira, with shifting seasons and intensified rainfall being notable factors affecting the region’s climate. Scientific studies corroborate these observations, revealing temperature rises and increasingly erratic rainfall.
Gonzalez recalls last year’s extreme heat, which led to adverse health effects both for residents and livestock. Many Wayuu families still rely on traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyles and suffer due to a lack of sanitation and running water in informal settlements. Residents often resort to purchasing untreated water, perpetuating health risks associated with inadequate supplies.
Non-governmental organizations are stepping in to provide essential support in La Guajira, where government outreach is often minimal. Anibal Mercado, a Wayuu leader, emphasizes the challenges faced by migrant Wayuu populations, exacerbated by governmental neglect and policies that undermine traditional economic practices and community resilience.
In the Uyatpana neighborhood, Laura Pushaina, a skilled artisan, is among many Wayuu who have fled instability in Venezuela, establishing new lives in Colombia. While she expresses hope of returning home, she recognizes the need for more suitable living conditions, as the informal settlements lack essential infrastructure. Just months prior, floodwaters again devastated her home, illustrating the relentless cycle of rebuilding amidst ongoing climate challenges.
The Wayuu community in La Guajira, Colombia, faces severe climate-related challenges, including increasing droughts and floods that threaten their livelihoods and way of life. Despite their resilience in the face of displacement and inadequate living conditions, they continue to endure significant hardships. Ongoing support from NGOs and recognition of governmental shortcomings are crucial for overcoming these adversities. The urgent need for improved infrastructure and environmental policies remains paramount to ensure the survival and well-being of the Wayuu people.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
