Caribbean coast swelters under 40-degree heat; Santa Marta declares public calamity

The Caribbean coast of Colombia is enduring an oppressive heatwave, with cities like Valledupar and Cartagena registering thermal sensations of up to 40 degrees Celsius. The relentless sun and suffocating temperatures have made daily life a struggle for residents, pushing them to adopt extreme measures for relief.

Manuel Cruz Jurado, a Spanish resident of Valledupar for twelve years, has turned his balcony into a makeshift refuge. He moves his inflatable mattress outside each night, hoping for a breeze to escape the heat trapped within his home. "In Seville, my hometown, we also suffer intense summers, but what's happening here is different: the heat gives no respite, day or night," he commented, describing the situation as desperate and confining.

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In Seville, my hometown, we also suffer intense summers, but what's happening here is different: the heat gives no respite, day or night. In Valledupar it seems like summer has settled permanently, as if 365 days a year are covered by a single season. This is desperate because it feels like being locked in.

Fanny Cecilia Mejía, from Valledupar's Siete de Agosto neighborhood, uses three fans strategically placed in her bedroom to combat the heat. In the afternoons, she employs a water atomizer in front of a fan to create a cooling mist, a tactic she must repeat frequently as the water evaporates quickly. "Even when this doesn't work, I wet a towel with cold water and place it on my body so the fan's breeze doesn't feel hot, but refreshing," she explained.

On the streets, the scene is similar: people fan themselves with improvised materials, battery-powered fans, or umbrellas. Fashion has adapted, with shorts, light t-shirts, and sundresses dominating. The only ones seemingly thriving are vendors of 'cholado' and 'raspaos,' cold treats offering a brief respite from the scorching sun. Meanwhile, Santa Marta has declared a state of public calamity, acknowledging the severity of the heatwave impacting the region.

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Even when this doesn't work, I wet a towel with cold water and place it on my body so the fan's breeze doesn't feel hot, but refreshing. But, I have to wet it frequently because the heat dries it quickly.