Nelly Mengual describes the dire living conditions faced by Wayuu people in Colombia's La Guajira region, particularly after severe flooding damaged her makeshift home. Many Wayuu, primarily those escaping Venezuela's economic crisis, live in settlements lacking basic utilities. The community faces compounded issues from climate change, including prolonged droughts and heavy rainfall that destabilize their environment. Migrating for resources has become necessary, further straining urban areas. Community leader Ingrid Gonzalez underscores the vulnerability of traditional homes to the elements, highlighting the urgency of their situation.
This entire hut. Our belongings, what little we had. Everything was lost, said Mengual, who makes ends meet by recycling scrap material in Maicao.
The Wayuu are facing the dual threats of climate change-driven droughts and floods, which are destroying crops, draining water sources, and threatening their livelihood.
Ingrid Gonzalez states that traditional Wayuu homes, made with sticks and mud, are very susceptible to flooding during the rainy season, leading to many houses being damaged.
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