Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 24 May 2024

KEY FIGURES

• 462K people face protection risks and humanitarian needs due to violence in Cauca, Colombia
• 2.3M people affected by flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
• 5M people face high levels of acute food insecurity by the end of June in Haiti

COLOMBIA: ARMED VIOLENCE

Increased armed clashes in the south-western department of Cauca are affecting humanitarian conditions, with at least seven simultaneous clashes between a non-state armed group (NSAG) and the National Army, involving aircraft and explosives, affecting the Morales, Suárez, Santander de Quilichao, Cajibío, and Patía municipalities. On 20 May, hostilities in Morales led to significant property damage, the death of two military personnel and a civilian, a curfew and the suspension of classes for 7,780 students. In Suarez, 270 Afro-Colombian families were displaced due to combat and ongoing threats. On 22 May, 53 families were confined in Guapi. Additionally, there are reports of a massacre in Corinto and the homicide of two indigenous children in Caldono. An estimated 462,039 people in Cauca (30 per cent of the departments population) now face protection risks.

HAITI: FOOD INSECURITY

Populations in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas face a dire food security crisis as resurging armed violence continues to cause already high staple food prices to grow. By mid-April, the cost of the food basket in the Ouest Department surged by 20 per cent compared to January and, according to FAO, the situation has not improved since. If domestic agricultural production does not bolster market supply and insecurity persists, prices are likely to remain high throughout 2024. By the end of June, a record 5 million people, or half the country’s population, are expected to face IPC Phase 3 or 4 levels of acute food insecurity. With an above-average Atlantic Hurricane season on the way, the risk of floods, landslides and storm disruptions poses a significant threat to food security.

BRAZIL: FLOODING

As of 23 May, intense rains have resumed over parts of Rio Grande do Sul, exacerbating the dire situation for millions affected by late April’s massive floods - which now affect almost the entire state and parts of the neighbouring state of Santa Catarina. Authorities are concerned about the spread of diseases such as leptospirosis, with cases doubling over the last two days. The number of affected people remains at 2.3 million. However, the death toll has risen to 163, with 65 still reported missing. Preliminarily estimates indicate that about 200,000 homes have been affected, with nearly 50 per cent completely destroyed. At least 40 roads have been damaged or blocked, creating access constraints. Approximately 1,060 schools, and consequently 380,000 students, have been affected. Volunteers, military staff, civil servants and humanitarian partners are addressing critical need related to non-food items, food, potable water, health services and shelter. The State Civil Defence continues to support nearly 67,000 people in shelters, which will remain operational due to ongoing rain and low temperatures.

CENTRAL AMERICA: FOREST FIRES

In Guatemala and Belize, forest fires are devastating ecosystems and livelihoods. During the current season, 2,363 forest fires have been recorded in Guatemala, with 75 currently active. As of 21 May, over 40,800 hectares had been burned across the country. In Belize, historic high temperatures are intensifying fires, with more than 117 fires recorded per day in the week after Easter, an increase from 80 per day the week prior. Authorities have issued a heat alert, with temperatures reaching a dangerous 39°C in some areas, and health warnings due to poor air quality.