“I Lost Almost Everything”: A Lifetime’s Legacy Swept Away by the Waters

Daniel is 80 years old. Over the course of his life, he has witnessed severe droughts, seasonal floods and other climate variations. Yet nothing compares to what he is experiencing now. The recent floods were so devastating that they swept away herds of cattle passed down through generations, symbols of livelihood, identity and family heritage.

“I lost everything. A legacy I preserved for years,” says Daniel, his voice trembling and his eyes heavy with sadness.

In truth, Daniel did not lose all his cattle, as he says in his moment of anguish. Of the more than thirty head he once owned, only three remain. Even so, for him, the loss is almost total. This reality forced him to leave early the temporary accommodation centre set up near 7 de Abril School, which is hosting numerous families affected by the floods, and return to his area in an effort to save what little he has left.

Despite the danger that still persists, Daniel gathers the strength to wade through fast-flowing waters that reach up to his waist. He does this daily, determined to protect his remaining animals. He goes into the bush in search of sinzal, a natural fibre essential for making ropes.

“I’m coming back from the bush, where I went to look for sinzal. Once prepared, I can use it to make a strong rope, a rope that not even the force of the rain will be able to wash my cattle away,” he explains, his tone marked by frustration, as if nature itself had become an adversary.

Daniel has two wives. Aware of the ongoing risks, he chose to leave them at the accommodation centre, where they are safer. At the end of each day, he returns there to spend the night with his family, torn between protecting his loved ones and fighting to preserve the last remnants of a lifetime of work.

Daniel’s story reflects the reality faced by many families affected by the floods, profound losses that go far beyond material possessions, touching memory, dignity and the hope of entire communities.