Dry earth Quenjacloi, Paraguay Paraguayan Red Cross Photographic Report on the effects of drought in the Paraguayan Chaco. November - December, 2013 By Gennike Mayers / IFRC
Introduction In September 2013, a 90-day state of emergency was declared in the largest department of Paraguay, Boquerón, as a result of the severe drought which affected many families. The magnitude of the situation was further exacerbated by the lack of water sources to which the communities in El Chaco had access. In addition to this, there is significant evaporation of the reserves due to the particularly harsh climate in El Chaco, with temperatures rising to as much as 50 Celsius. Quenjacloi is one of the indigenous communities which have been affected. Twenty-five families live there. In other words, 96 persons are concerned by the situation. Thanks to funds mobilized through the current appeal, the Paraguayan Red Cross in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies has committed to providing assistance to the affected communities in the departments affected by the drought. Hopefully there will soon be rain in El Chaco
Dry earth After almost 5 months without rain, the earth in El Chaco is thirsty. The cracks in the ground patiently await the return of the rains.
Ringing the bell Enrique Castillo, son of the Quenjacloi indigenous community leader rings the bell to announce the arrival of guests from the Paraguayan Red Cross. More importantly, the bell serves as an early warning system to the community in the event of danger, whether it is a climatic event or not. Each alert has a specific sound and number of rings depending on the situation. According to the alert, the 96 community members remain in their homes or gather around the community leader s home.
Fetching water from the well Enrique Castillo collects water from one of the wells in his community. There is little water left in the wells and the communities must carefully manage their reserves until the rains begin once more.
Guttering system The grand majority of indigenous communities do not have sufficient water reserves and in some areas, the reservoirs have become saline or dried up due to the lack of rainfall. Special sheds have been constructed to allow for the installation of guttering systems used to capture rain water. However, everyone is concerned that the sporadic rains are insufficient to fill the reservoirs.
Quenjacloi indigenous community leader, Gervacio Castillo and his family.
Is Jum The Quenjacloi communty leader, Gervacio Castillo writes on the grounds the words «is jum» which mean thank you in the Nivaclé language before saying goodbye to the Red Cross visitors.
Palo Santo A tree commonly found in El Chaco, is used in the indigenous communities to create artistic wooden products. The Palo Santo is also used as firewood and the leaves serve as a household remedy.
Indigenous toys A creation of the indigenous community, a horse made of the Palo Santo tree also known as the tree of life. The children play with toys made by the community. When the opportunity arises, these toys are sold to earn income.
Cactus flower This cactus is among the members of the plant kingdom which have survived the unforgiving heat.
Chickens and kids in the indigenous communities, small farming is a source of food and income. However, the lack of rain has caused significant mortality among bovine animals in many communities. On the contrary, poultry have resisted the heat and drought and can be found running around with the children.
Playground In the Quenjacloi community, there are many previously green spaces which have become dry open spaces due to the severe drought. Here, this space is used as a football field.
A smile despite all In spite of the heat and dust, children will be children and find contentment playing with each other on the parched earth.