The Bolivian village of Tipuani faces severe flooding affecting approximately 500 homes, attributed to both a gold mining boom and extreme weather influenced by climate change. Local residents, primarily miners, are battling to survive as their environment deteriorates due to mining practices and shifting rainfall patterns.
In Tipuani, a Bolivian village significantly affected by floods, about 500 homes are partially submerged as residents maneuver through debris on makeshift rafts. The flooding, attributed to deforestation from gold mining and increased rainfall due to climate change, has transformed the village streets into rivers for the past two months. The region, with a population of 7,500, is predominantly reliant on mining for livelihoods, yet this dependence also precipitates environmental degradation.
Rafael Quispe, a local miner, remarked on the drastic changes in his hometown, stating, “This town, as beautiful as it once was, is now a disaster.” Flooding has persisted each rainy season for three years, exacerbated by a collapsing drainage system. Mining activities are not only impacting the environment but conversely contributing to the erosion that leads to flooding.
Sinforiano Checa, a former miner now homeless due to flooding, condemned the activities of mining companies as “a sin.” Rolando Vargas, president of a local mining cooperative, acknowledged the detrimental practices that were previously in place, admitting their responsibility for dumping waste into the river, which caused significant changes in its course. Following Vargas’s interview, he was reported missing after his vehicle was swept away.
In Chima village, near Tipuani, children navigate contaminated waters while schools remain closed since February. Despite the flooding, residents continue to seek ways to work, as expressed by Manuel Barahona. Furthermore, climate change is a looming threat, with Bolivia ranking among the most vulnerable countries worldwide.
Bolivia is experiencing increased weather volatility, with the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service noting that the heavy rains this January were the most intense since 2012. Lucia Walper, head of forecasting at Senamhi, indicated that this rainfall anomaly is unusual for the La Nina season, typically characterized by reduced precipitation. The destruction from last year’s forest fires has also disrupted traditional rainfall patterns, leading to more rainfall in higher altitude areas like Tipuani.
The situation in Tipuani illustrates the devastating impact of environmental degradation from gold mining compounded by climate change. As residents grapple with frequent flooding and the loss of homes, the ongoing gold rush presents a complex dilemma of economic necessity versus environmental responsibility. The insights from local miners and experts underline the critical need for sustainable practices in order to safeguard the village’s future amidst climate-related challenges.
Original Source: www.france24.com
