Malambo, Atlántico – Amid the devastation left by relentless winds, where rooftops were torn away and families found themselves vulnerable to the skies, hope arrived like the first rays of sunlight after a storm. This past Sunday, the Governor of Atlántico, Eduardo Verano de la Rosa, led a heartfelt effort to distribute humanitarian aid to over 1,000 families affected by recent storm damage in the towns of Malambo and Polonuevo. The air was thick with resilience and determination, as community members received the vital materials they needed to rebuild what had been lost.
Bringing Relief: Emergency Aid for Roof Repair in Malambo
In Malambo’s La Aguada sector, where 17 families had watched their homes unravel under the ferocious winds of September 16th and 19th, relief came in the form of construction materials designed to patch roofs and protect against the looming winter rains. These storms, a warning of the harsher weather yet to come, had left gaping holes in lives and homes alike. But with each bundle of roofing sheets, beams, and braces, a sense of restoration was slowly returning.
“We are taking measures to ensure that as the winter season approaches, these families will be shielded from further damage,” Governor Verano stated, his voice steady but his eyes reflecting the weight of the crisis. His presence wasn’t just an act of leadership—it was a statement of solidarity, a reminder that no one faces these storms alone.
Community Resilience in Polonuevo: A Focus on Villa Carolina
In Polonuevo, the village of Villa Carolina faced a similar battle. With 460 homes severely affected, the residents watched as the weather eroded their sense of security, but they did not face it with bowed heads. Thanks to the humanitarian aid, each roof tile, every asbestos sheet, and the crucial cabling and supports were symbols not just of protection but of community strength. Óscar Avilez, the Mayor of Polonuevo, stood among his people, expressing gratitude on their behalf.
“We are immensely grateful to the Governor of Atlántico for stepping in when we needed it most. These materials are not just for repairing homes, they are for restoring dignity,” Avilez said, echoing the sentiment shared by so many.
The Power of Preparedness: A Campaign to Protect Families Before the Storm
Beyond the immediate relief, the focus turned to prevention. The Subsecretaría de Prevención y Atención de Desastres launched a proactive campaign titled, “Que no te coja desprevenido los fuertes vientos” (Don’t let the strong winds catch you unprepared). With the long-tail keyword, “How to prevent roof damage from heavy winds and storms in residential areas,” at the forefront of their minds, local authorities urged families to check the integrity of their roofs and reinforce amarre systems to withstand the inevitable gales.
“Brisas fuertes are common during this season,” warned Nelson Oquendo, the subsecretary. “But preparedness can mean the difference between safety and loss.”
The winter storms on the horizon would not come without a fight, and this campaign is more than just advice—it is an urgent call to action, inviting the people of Atlántico to protect themselves before nature strikes again.
A Region Rebuilding: From Crisis to Resilience
The Department of Atlántico has faced storms before, but it is the spirit of its people that turns each crisis into a chapter of resilience. As Verano de la Rosa and his team moved from house to house, the primary message was clear: “We are here, we stand with you.” In the language of relief efforts, roofs may seem like practical repairs, but to the people of these towns, they are shelter, security, and hope.
This is not merely an act of rebuilding homes but an act of rebuilding lives.
The humanitarian aid for storm victims provided this week is a reflection of the power of community and leadership working hand in hand. And as the roof repair assistance continues, the government disaster aid program remains a lifeline for those most in need.
Preparing for Tomorrow: Steps to Strengthen Your Home Against the Storm
For those still waiting for assistance, or simply looking to reinforce their homes, experts from the Department of Disaster Prevention offer actionable steps to protect against further damage:
- Inspect your roof regularly: Ensure that all roof tiles are intact and properly secured.
- Strengthen roof structures: Use durable amarres (supports) to keep the roof anchored during strong winds.
- Clear debris: Remove any loose objects around your home that could become dangerous projectiles during a storm.
- Consider storm-proof materials: Upgrade to materials designed to withstand severe weather, such as asbestos sheets or high-grade tiles.
- Stay informed: Regularly monitor weather updates and emergency management advisories.
By following these simple steps, families can reduce the risk of damage and ensure their homes are ready to face the storm.
Conclusion
In the face of nature’s unpredictable wrath, the people of Atlántico have shown they are not powerless. Through the strength of humanitarian aid, local government coordination, and a fierce commitment to preparedness, these communities rise. Each construction material handed out, each roof repaired, is a testament to the resilience that courses through their veins. And while the storm clouds may gather again, the people of Malambo and Polonuevo will stand ready—not just to survive, but to thrive.
