Colombia’s La Mojana Region Faces Ongoing Flooding Crisis
The Berrio family in Colombia’s northern La Mojana region has been struggling with severe flooding for the past four years. The situation has been exacerbated by deforestation and mining activities in the area, leading to a worsening crisis that has affected the lives of many residents.
Impact of the Flooding
The flooding has resulted in the destruction of crops and livestock, with murky waters invading homes and displacing families. A recent collapse of a sandbag dike meant to protect the region has further worsened the situation, leading to a major corruption scandal and leaving many residents vulnerable to the polluted waters of the Cauca River.
Challenges Faced by Residents
Residents like Rosiris Berrio and Jose Ruendes are facing dire circumstances, with their homes and livelihoods submerged in water. The lack of assistance from the state has left many families struggling to survive, with some resorting to makeshift solutions to protect their belongings from the floodwaters.
Environmental Impact and Causes
The frequent flooding in the region has been attributed to deforestation and mining activities that have altered the natural flow of rivers and filled them with sediment. Illegal mining operations, in particular, have led to contamination of the river waters with mercury, further exacerbating the environmental crisis.
Call for Action
Local leaders and residents are calling for immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in La Mojana. President Gustavo Petro has proposed relocating residents to higher ground, but many are concerned about starting over and finding new sources of income.
With the rainy season approaching, the residents of La Mojana are bracing themselves for more challenges ahead, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of flooding in the region.