After strong waves, Jutiapa coast fishermen face a double crisis: no fish and no tourists

Fishermen in the coastal village of El Jiote, Pasaco, Jutiapa, Guatemala, are grappling with a dual crisis of no fish and no tourists following unusually strong waves on the Pacific coast. Antonio Flores, a local fisherman, described the intense conditions on Tuesday, where waves were so high that the coastline disappeared from view for extended periods.

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That day we spent 40 minutes waiting for a chance to enter, because the waves were crashing head-on, sideways. Sometimes in five or 10 minutes we manage to cross, but that day was different.

"That day we spent 40 minutes waiting for a chance to enter, because the waves were crashing head-on, sideways. Sometimes in five or 10 minutes we manage to cross, but that day was different," Flores recounted. The powerful swells, described locally as "tumbos," were strong enough to breach natural barriers, causing the sea to flood the estero and inundate homes. Flores rushed to protect his family and belongings as the water rapidly entered the area.

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When the tide rises normally, the wave is small. This time both grew at the same time. The natural barrier protecting the beaches no longer worked, and the water began to enter.

Flores noted that the phenomenon was unlike typical rainy season tides. "When the tide rises normally, the wave is small. This time both grew at the same time. The natural barrier protecting the beaches no longer worked, and the water began to enter," he explained. While he recalled a similar, though less severe, event about 10 years ago, he emphasized that this week's occurrence was significantly more intense.

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Before, the beach was about 100 meters away. Now we have it 10 or 15 meters away. The sea is eating away at the land year after year.

Beyond the immediate damage, residents of El Jiote have a long-standing concern: the perceived gradual encroachment of the ocean onto their land. "Before, the beach was about 100 meters away. Now we have it 10 or 15 meters away. The sea is eating away at the land year after year," Flores stated. He estimates that a structure he owns, which was previously about 60 meters from the sea, is now only five meters away after the recent wave surge.

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The first thing I did was look for my children and start protecting the things in the house. Because one, as the head of the household, the first thing you think about is that, how to protect your family. Children are the ones who suffer the most because they get scared and cry when these things happen.