Many families in Indigenous communities lose practically everything

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are responding to needs in the Upper Orinoco region of Venezuela*. The region is facing a humanitarian emergency following the rainfall recorded in recent weeks in the state of Amazonas. The Orinoco River has overflowed, causing severe flooding in the Yanomami and Yekuana Indigenous communities, particularly in La Esmeralda and Mavaca, where many families have lost practically everything.

A Salesian noted, “The situation is critical because it is occurring in an area already facing poverty, food insecurity and a lack of access to basic services. In this Amazonian region, many families live off subsistence farming, fishing and bartering. The floods have devastated crops, destroyed traditional homes, and severely restricted mobility and access to food, drinking water, and healthcare.”

Salesians report that in La Esmeralda, the lower-lying areas have been completely flooded. The airstrip has also been damaged, bringing air traffic to a standstill and hindering the transport of sick people and essential supplies. In Mavaca, the floodwaters have damaged community infrastructure such as the Salesian mission, schools, canteens and meeting places. Many Yanomami families have been forced to move deeper into the jungle, which increases their vulnerability and makes it more difficult to reach them with aid.

Furthermore, the loss of conucos, which are family plots where bitter cassava, bananas, plantains, and other staple foods are grown, and the inability to fish normally are creating a growing risk of famine in the affected communities. The lack of drinking water and stagnant water also increases the risk of disease.

The Salesian added, “The floods have also disrupted school life. Many youth are unable to attend school, which in these communities also serves as a place of protection, nutrition and support. For families affected or scattered throughout the jungle, the Salesian school represents a vital support network.”

Salesians intend to distribute kits containing non-perishable food, drinking water and sanitation supplies to those in need, and to promote hygiene and health initiatives. Hammocks and mosquito nets will also be provided for temporary shelter, along with primary healthcare medicines and basic items for disease prevention. In addition, 450 families will receive the tools to restore their crops and fishing activities, with the aim of gradually rebuilding their food self-sufficiency.

The Salesian response is not limited to an initial emergency distribution, but seeks to ensure the survival and dignity of affected families, helping them to restore their livelihoods so that they can return to farming, fishing and supporting their communities once the water begins to recede.

Logistics is currently one of the greatest challenges facing the emergency response. The isolation of the area, flooded infrastructure and transport difficulties require significant resources to deliver food, medicines, shelter materials, tools and fuel to the hardest-hit communities.

The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid is supporting this emergency response in the Upper Orinoco and is appealing for support.

###

Sources:

Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas

ANS – Venezuela – Flooding in the Upper Orinoco leaves 750 indigenous families in a state of emergency

Salesian Missions – Venezuela

*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.