Supporting Communities Affected by Flooding in La Mojana, Colombia

What is Causing Flooding in La Mojana?

Due to its unique geographical and climatic conditions, the La Mojana region in Colombia experiences frequent and severe flooding. This flooding has severe consequences for the local population. It disrupts livelihoods, particularly for those dependent on agriculture and fishing, damages homes and infrastructure, and poses significant health risks due to waterborne diseases. GOAL is currently supporting communities affected by flooding in La Mojana.

Changes in climate patterns have resulted in more extreme weather events, including heavy rains and storms that cause rivers to swell rapidly and unexpectedly. Human activities, such as deforestation and agricultural expansion, have also reduced the land’s ability to absorb water. Coupled with inadequate infrastructure, such as insufficient drainage systems, communities in La Mojana are extremely vulnerable to flooding.

GOALies in Colombia are using boats to distribute aid to communities in hard-to-reach locations in La Mojana.

Supporting Communities Affected by Flooding

Recently, heavy rainfall and rising water levels in the Cauca River caused the Caregato dam in La Mojana to partially collapse, resulting in severe flooding that has affected over 6,000 people. The flooding has displaced families, destroyed homes, and significantly damaged agricultural land and local ecosystems.

GOAL is responding to flooding in La Mojana using funding from the START Network’s Global START Fund. This fund provides rapid response funding to under-the-radar, small to medium-scale crises, filling a critical gap in the humanitarian aid system.

GOAL has delivered 450 food kits and 300 dignity and hygiene kits to households affected by flooding in San Jacinto del Cauca. One resident, Nubys del Carmen, said: “I am grateful for what [GOAL teams] are giving us. It is of great benefit to us; we are very grateful. They are realising the situation we [are in] … we are really flooded with water.”

GOALies distributing food kits to flood-affected communities in La Mojana.

Safeguarding During Crises

GOAL teams also conducted community workshops on gender-based violence prevention and held awareness sessions with community leaders, families, children, and girls to enhance protective measures. In emergency contexts, safeguarding and the well-being of children and women is always integrated into programming.

During humanitarian crises, displacement and the breakdown of social structures can lead to increased incidents of physical, emotional, and sexual violence. Effective prevention measures, such as community education, protection services, and support systems, are essential for mitigating these risks.

By integrating GBV prevention into our programming, GOAL promotes a safer, more equitable environment. This approach enables survivors to access the help they need and fosters resilience and recovery within the community. It not only addresses immediate safety concerns but also strengthens the overall effectiveness and sustainability of humanitarian interventions.

GOALies conducting community workshops and distributing food kits in La Mojana, Colombia.

Partnering with Local and National Authorities

In Colombia, GOAL partners with local and national authorities to coordinate emergency response programmes and anticipatory actions. The Mayor’s Office of San Jacinto del Cauca and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management supported the identification and selection of communities in need of humanitarian assistance.

GOAL also conducted a workshop on disaster risk reduction and psychological first aid training for 37 officials from the Municipal Mayor’s office to improve risk management and leadership capacity during humanitarian crises.

This project was coordinated in partnership with CADENA, World Vision, Plan International, World Jewish Relief, and Fundación Abbacol, a local humanitarian response agency based in Colombia.

You can support GOAL’s work in Colombia with a donation today.