Margarita Méndez, 34, is a resident of the Barranco Bayo community in Nicaragua. Located along a river, Barranco Bayo faces significant risk of flooding. During periods of heavy rainfall, the river swells and can flood nearby homes. Even when it’s not raining directly in the community, rainfall in surrounding areas can still cause the river to rise. The rising water can be dangerous for people washing clothes or bathing in the river.

Recognizing these risks, the community has developed a disaster prevention system in which Margarita plays a crucial role. Margarita’s home is located about 5,000 feet from the low-lying area vulnerable to floods, and this strategic position allows her to see the river conditions upstream. Despite a hearing impairment, Margarita can visually monitor the water and help prepare her community for flooding.

When she notices a rapid increase in water levels, Margarita blows a conch shell that sends a loud noise down the river. The sound alerts downstream residents about the danger, providing vital seconds to potentially save lives from rapid flooding. Every community member, regardless of age, knows that the conch shell sound signals immediate evacuation from the river and away from its banks.

In Nicaragua, World Renew works with partners like the Center for Inter Ecclesial Theological and Social Studies (CIEETS) to help communities develop prevention and emergency plans that diminish risk from natural disasters. This work promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in risk management, recognizing their ability to contribute with their unique experiences in planning and decision-making.

Your support for World Renew and its programs helps to create opportunities so people like Margarita can contribute to the flourishing of their communities and feel included and valued.