Drought disrupts daily life in Guyana

Residents of Beli Kampu, a village along the Lawa River in Guyana, are washing dishes in the river due to a severe drought. The lack of access to drinking water at home has forced people to rely on the river for basic needs, with concerns that canoes, the main means of transport, may soon be unable to navigate the shrinking waterways.

Historical drought linked to climate change

Since July, Guyana has been experiencing a historic drought, part of a broader climate crisis linked to El Niño, a natural climate pattern. This phenomenon has caused extreme heat in the Amazon region, with September seeing a 53% drop in rainfall and temperatures rising by 1.1°C compared to previous months.

Daily life and health at risk

The drought has disrupted daily routines in the isolated commune of Grand-Santi, where life depends on the river. With temperatures frequently exceeding 38°C and low humidity, the risk of hyperthermia and dehydration is high, especially during physical labor. The river has receded almost 12 meters, complicating access to food and water.

Past droughts reveal vulnerabilities

In 2024, Guyana faced similar conditions, leading to school closures and fuel shortages. Residents had to charter canoes to stockpile supplies, at a cost of 4,000 to 5,000 euros. Essential resources like gas and fuel, used for both canoes and electricity, were in short supply, highlighting the region's vulnerability to such crises.

Water scarcity threatens agriculture and safety

The drought is exacerbating water stress in Guyana’s coastal and forested areas, where many rely on rivers and wells. Contaminated surface water from illegal gold mining is not a viable alternative, and saline intrusion threatens water supplies in coastal areas. This also risks the management of potential savanna fires, further complicating the situation.

Public response and resource allocation

The Guyana Territorial Collectivity (CTG) has pledged to subsidize transport costs and deploy mobile units to purify river water. In 2022, responding to a two-month crisis cost 3.5 million euros, and similar or higher expenses are expected this season. The CTG and state services are also preparing to deliver atmospheric fountains and use planes and helicopters for resupply.

El Niño expected to intensify

The World Meteorological Organization predicts that the current El Niño, nicknamed "Godzilla," will peak in December and continue until February 2027. This could delay the traditional rainy season in Guyana, which usually starts in November, further straining water resources and agricultural planning.

Long-term climate challenges and adaptation

Felix Dada, mayor of Grand-Santi, acknowledges the need for a more self-sufficient lifestyle, less reliant on coastal imports. Climate projections suggest that by 2100, Guyana may face extreme heat and reduced rainfall, raising concerns about the habitability of the region without significant adaptation efforts.