The El Niño Phenomenon, which has left serious consequences on the Colombian agricultural sector and a marked decrease in reservoir levels, appears to be gradually receding. However, now the concern is focused on the imminent arrival of the rainy season.
Diario del Huila, Panorama
According to the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam), a transition to a neutral phase of the El Niño phenomenon is expected in the coming months, followed by the arrival of the La Niña phenomenon during the second half of 2024.
La Niña, characterized by an increase in precipitation and a decrease in temperatures, mainly threatens the Andean, Caribbean and Pacific regions, as well as areas of the foothills of the Eastern Plains. This climate change can have significant effects on agriculture, infrastructure and the daily lives of affected communities.
It is estimated that the probability of occurrence of this phenomenon is equal to or greater than 64% for the July-August-September quarter.
Given this forecast, Lorena Sánchez, president of the Association of Peasant Workers of Huila, has issued a worrying warning about the imminent onslaught of winter in the region. Sánchez expressed the growing concerns of local producers regarding the arrival of the rains, emphasizing the need for preventive actions to mitigate the negative impact on the economy and well-being of Huila farmers.
«As representatives of medium and small producers, we are deeply concerned about the imminent arrival of the ‘La Niña’ phenomenon, which historically has had devastating consequences for the Huila countryside. This time will not be the exception, since we foresee significant effects on coffee crops, bread crops, livestock and other productive sectors.«Sanchez declared.
The main concern lies in the expected increase in river flow, which could trigger landslides and floods. These phenomena are already affecting the rural population of the department, exacerbating difficulties on the roads and restricting the mobility of local inhabitants.
Sánchez stressed the importance of coordination with emergency agencies and government authorities to implement preventive measures in advance. «It is crucial that they allow us to act promptly to prevent the devastating impact on the peasant economy of Huila.«said the agricultural leader.
Vulnerable areas
Projections suggest that the most vulnerable areas of the department will be the north, specifically the municipalities of Colombia, Tello and Baraya, as well as the southern and western region, which already face significant challenges in terms of road infrastructure.
«It is essential to highlight and accurately request the necessary assistance, in order to keep the control entities and the community in general alert. In this sense, we make a strong call to grassroots peasant organizations to establish effective communication«.
In addition, he stressed the importance of addressing the issue of security, which is aggravated by the armed conflict, especially in rural areas where communities are most vulnerable.
«It is imperative to establish a support network that is not only supportive, but also active in management, with the aim of understanding the specific realities and needs of each territory. We consider it crucial to begin joint work with the National Government, recognizing that the peasant sector plays a fundamental role in the economy both at the national and local level.«said Lorena Sánchez, president of the Association of Peasant Workers of Huila (ATCH).
Faced with this challenging panorama, the agricultural community of Huila urges concerted and effective action by the competent authorities, in order to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of peasant families who depend on the agricultural sector for their livelihood.
Impacts due to rain
The recent rains in Huila continue to generate emergencies, with at least 14 municipalities needing urgent intervention using heavy machinery to clear roads affected by landslides and collapses due to intense rainfall in the region.
Andrés Camilo Cabrera, secretary of roads and infrastructure, reported that “the department remains in a state of emergency. About 14 municipalities are facing critical situations due to the rains. Currently, from the Government, we have deployed six teams of machinery, covering as far as we have been able to go.
«We are activating all mechanisms to respond to emergencies in the different municipalities of the department. Some of these municipalities are in a manifest emergency situation, which allows us to prioritize attention in these areas.«added Cabrera.
Likewise, Cabrera called on the inhabitants of the affected municipalities, recognizing that the available machinery is not enough to cover all needs simultaneously. “We are working hard to reach all affected areas and are prioritizing the most critical areas.”
Among the municipalities of Huila that are experiencing the greatest impacts from the rains are Colombia, Pitalito, Algeciras, Elías, Saladoblanco, Palermo, La Argentina, Teruel, Santa María, Oporapa and San Agustín, according to the report from the Risk Management Office .
So far, more than 184 affected families have been reported, with 187 homes damaged and 11 at risk. In addition, more than 50 roads have been affected, mainly in rural areas of several municipalities, as well as damage to vehicular bridges, pedestrian bridges and aqueducts on the sidewalks.
The department faces additional risks such as landslides, landslides, loss of banks and floods that continue to affect road infrastructure.
This is how the regions of Colombia are
During the past weekend of May 4 and 5, Colombia began to experience the first blows of the rainy season.
One of the most shocking events was recorded in Montebello, Antioquia, where an impressive torrential flood affected 30 families so far.
In Dosquebradas, Risaralda, a regrettable tragedy occurred when three members of the same family lost their lives when they were buried by a landslide.
San Andrés, Santander, a suspension bridge succumbed to a sudden flood, leaving more than 1,700 people incommunicado.
In the south of Bolívar, more than 1,200 families are affected by flooding caused by heavy rains and the breaking of the ‘Caregato’ retaining wall.
Valle del Cauca has also recorded an increase in rainfall in recent weeks. Saulo Ramírez, from the CVC Meteorology team, points out that the region is in the middle of the 2024 rainy season (March – June), within the normal expected parameters.
In Barranquilla, the weekend rains caused flooding in the Villa San Carlos neighborhood, affecting homes and appliances, which has generated demands for attention from those affected.
In Soledad, Atlántico, a tragedy occurred when Raúl Valencia, 51, was swept away by the El Salao stream during Saturday’s downpour. The authorities continue the search for the body after two days of intense work.
Furthermore, in Campo de la Cruz, at least 40 houses were flooded, while in Usiacurí, an overflowing stream and a landslide wreaked havoc on the population.
