Colombia Rains Affect
Over 54,000
BOGOTA - The number of
people affected by heavy
rains in Colombia has
now reached 54,000,
according to the most
recent report of the
National Emergency
System released here
Tuesday.
Rain, landslides and
strong winds caused
damage in most of the
country in the second
rainy season this year,
which began 20 days ago
and will last until
halfway through
December.
The authorities reported
damages in at least 49
municipalities from 13
of the 32 departments of
the country, mainly in
Bolivar, Atlantic,
Cordoba, Antioquia and
La Guajira, all of them
in the North of the
nation.
Until now, 55
flood-related
emergencies have taken
place in 33 localities,
17 from heavy winds and
5 landslides.
The problems could
become worse in coming
years since most of the
1,100 mayoralties of the
country have not
activated local
emergency committees and
contingency plans, as
directed by the National
Emergency Board. |
