On October 4 and 5, 2024, in Cobán, Alta Verapaz, focus groups were held with the participation of communities from the Franja and Polochic, regions highly vulnerable to floods and landslides. During the meeting, participants shared experiences on how they cope with the disasters that, year after year, affect their territories.

Community leaders explained how they are organized to provide the first response in emergency situations, prioritizing attention to the most vulnerable people. The exchange also addressed the role of health services in the face of these events, pointing out that, in many cases, the response by the State has been insufficient, which has led to poor coordination with public and private institutions.

In addition, the communities evaluated the effectiveness of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) and its local structures (COLRED), sharing their perspectives on the functionality of these organizations in their territories.

This activity is part of an ongoing investigation on the impact of climate change in the department of Alta Verapaz, which is being carried out in 16 communities in the municipalities of Chisec, Cobán, San Miguel Tucurú, Santa Catalina La Tinta and Panzós. The objective is to learn first-hand about the experiences of these communities, which face constant damage due to extreme weather events, and to hear their opinions and needs.

Participating communities include Tambayal and Río San José, in the municipality of Tucurú; Barrio El Centro and Panla II, in Santa Catalina La Tinta; and San Vicente and Parcelamiento Pueblo Nuevo, in Panzós.