The COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters in Central America

The world was not prepared to receive the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which spread uncontrollably and massively in a matter of weeks, putting the health of the most vulnerable population at risk, such as the elderly or people with underlying health conditions.

However, there are countries that had fewer resources than others and the impact of the health crisis was worse, leaving thousands of families affected, without work, financial support or government benefits. For instance, Central America was one of the territories most affected by the sanitary emergency generated by the global Coronavirus pandemic, which also unleashed an economic, labor, social and political crisis.

The economic and health system of Central America is not stable enough to withstand the impact of COVID-19 and its aftermath. Health workers do not always have the necessary resources or supplies to protect their lives and save as many people as possible. Likewise, the infrastructure of the health sector is not equipped to house large numbers of people in the midst of a health crisis, which also generated a humanitarian crisis.

In addition to the global Coronavirus pandemic, the Central American territory felt the impact of natural disasters in November 2020, worsening the situation for local citizens. Several hurricanes hit different countries in Central America, which has encouraged immigration to the US.

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Climate change might increase immigration to the US

Natural disasters tend to generate climate change in the short and medium term. Therefore, currently, several Central American countries are experiencing adverse climatic conditions, which affect local crops and the work of thousands of farmers, who have to migrate in search of opportunities to protect their beloved ones and find economic stability.

In fact, a recent report by The San Diego Union-Tribune, exposes several testimonies from people who have had to seek opportunities to migrate to the US because local coffee farms have been affected by climate change, leaving them without economic resources to survive.

In addition to natural disasters and climate change, agricultural production is not well paid in Central America, leading local families to seek opportunities in other countries to earn higher wages.

According to the report, the arrival of Central American agricultural workers to the US’ borders could trigger a gigantic social controversy since local laws “aren’t equipped to grapple with whether someone fleeing the effects of climate change should be given refuge.”

The crisis in Central America will undoubtedly increase immigration in the US and the incoming government, led by President-elect Joe Biden (Democrat), will have to deal with the situation at the borders in the best possible way. Adding to that, since Biden’s stance on immigration is more welcoming compared to the current administration, in the opinion of several experts, there is a possibility that his views will also increase immigration in the country.

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