Building resilience in Villanueva and El Progreso

In order to broadcast the alerts and the results of the technical monitoring system, as well as to disseminate other information on relevant Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) options, an App was developed specifically tailored to the needs of the inhabitants in Villanueva. Moreover four local businesses were selected to serve as information centers by hosting digital screens constantly providing DRR information. In doing so, these four businesses are supposed to contribute to increasing the visibility of the community´s early warning system. 

The already existing Municipal and Local Emergency Committees (CODEM & CODEL) formed by volunteers in different neighbourhoods of both municipalities were actively involved in the project. Within a range of altogether 13 different workshops, members of these committees were trained on how to manage the rain gauges, to maintain the hardware of the warning system as well as how to use the App and explain it to others. These committees play a key role in disseminating DRR information as they serve as the ultimate link between the technology and the people at risk. 

Located directly next to the Ulua river and additionally crossed by Pelo river, El Progreso on the other hand is mainly at risk of flooding. Accordingly, a hydrological and hydraulic model of the Pelo river had been developed as a first step in order to understand the flow behaviour of the river. Further data was provided by the Centre for Atmospheric, Oceanographic and Seismic Studies (CENAOS). With the help of the model different flood scenarios could be tested and effective adaptation measures were identified afterwards. Limnimeters were attached to bridges along the Pelo river in the project area, so water levels can now be easily read. Critical values become way more transparent. Based on these thresholds alerts can be generated as early warning against floods.

Here as well, different trainings and workshops were organised aiming to educate community volunteers on hydrological risk assessment, especially in densely populated urban areas. Moreover, like in Villanueva, an App was developed and six additional promotional DRR screens were placed in four selected businesses and two offices of the local taxpayer service.

Apart from publishing alerts and other important DRR information, the above-named App “Todos Somos El Progreso” includes a participatory digital mapping tool. This collaborative mapping enables a faster and more efficient response to flood events as the location of affected areas as well as of temporary shelters can be displayed and disseminated easily. The tool is supervised by the voluntary Municipal Emergency Committee and used by the Local Emergency Committees of the flood-prone neighbourhoods of El Progreso. 

Community engagement and participation were key elements of the successful project implementation. Therefore, as part of the activities, measures were taken to strengthen particularly the Local Emergency Committees in El Progreso. An initial lack of engagement here could be resolved by acquiring new members e.g. via a so called DRR preachers' campaign. Volunteers, mainly women, went from door to door, explaining the rationale and the purpose of the desired warning system and why participation of as many volunteers as possible is key. El Progreso now counts 69 community members involved in nine Local Emergency Committees. 53 of these volunteers are women. Additionally, the Committees were supplied with important equipment and tools aiming to improve their response capacity. 

In November 2024 the newly installed early warning systems underwent their first test. Storm Sara hit the region, involving heavy rainfalls and consequently a high risk for landslides. Fortunately, based on the data of the rain gauges in Villanueva, inhabitants of vulnerable areas could be warned by the Municipal Emergency Committee, followed by a preventive evacuation. Due to the real-time and precise information of the monitoring system and the highly effective collaboration between those in charge of its management, the potentially disastrous consequences of storm Sara could be prevented. This proves a successful effort to a well-functioning risk management.

We are pleased that we could contribute to Villanueva’s and El Progreso’s increasing resilience against natural hazards. The project regions developed from two highly vulnerable municipalities into communities benefitting from efficient and modern early warning techniques.