Tipuani, a Bolivian village, is severely affected by flooding attributed to gold mining and climate change, immersing nearly 500 homes. Mining activities worsen environmental conditions, while intense rainfall this January marks unusual climate patterns. The local economy is jeopardized, with many residents struggling to adapt to the dire situation with inadequate infrastructure and resources.
In Tipuani, Bolivia, which lies in a gold-mining region, about 500 homes are partly submerged due to flooding since January, transforming streets into rivers. The situation stems from heightened gold mining activities that breach riverbanks and severe rains linked to climate change. Local miner Rafael Quispe lamented, “This town, as beautiful as it once was, is now a disaster.” The area has been afflicted by floods every rainy season, spanning from November to April, with many streets suffering from long-term flooding due to a failed drainage system.
The economy of Tipuani heavily relies on mining, with 92% of residents engaged in this sector despite the resultant environmental degradation. The past decade has seen gold prices surge, leading to intensified extraction efforts that have contributed to the environmental crisis. Alfredo Zaconeta from the Center for Labor and Agricultural Development Studies states that the practices of mining cooperatives are altering river courses and leading to flooding.
The flooding has affected the daily lives of residents. Sinforiano Checa, a former miner, has lived in a tent since his home was inundated. He described the mining companies’ actions as a sin, as environmental negligence persists. Rolando Vargas, president of a local mining cooperative, acknowledged the community’s woes and admitted feeling responsible for the environmental damage they caused.
In nearby Chima, children play in contaminated waters as schools remain closed since February. Manuel Barahona, a local resident, emphasized the urgency of continuing to work despite the harsh conditions. The compounds of climate change exacerbate these challenges, making Bolivia particularly vulnerable. The 2021 Global Climate Risk Index highlighted Bolivia’s susceptibility, marking it as one of the top ten countries affected by climate change, leading to increased floods and droughts.
Recent rainfall in Tipuani, particularly in January, has been the most intense observed since 2012, surpassing expectations during a La Nina weather phenomenon, which usually yields lower rainfall. Lucia Walper from the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service pointed out that changing environmental conditions, including last year’s forest fires, have contributed to unpredictable rainfall patterns and exacerbated the local flooding issues.
The village of Tipuani is facing severe flooding due to a combination of gold mining activities and climate change, disrupting lives and the local economy. With increasing environmental degradation from mining practices and unprecedented rainfall patterns, the community stands at the brink of collapse. There is a pressing need for sustainable practices to protect both livelihoods and the environment in Bolivia.
Original Source: www.france24.com
