Colombia floods: State of emergency declared and details of the humanitarian disaster
The Colombian government has officially declared a national state of emergency following unprecedented torrential rains that caused devastating floods across vast areas of the country's north. This natural disaster has resulted in tragic loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure and the agricultural sector, prompting urgent intervention from the highest authority in the country.
Presidential decree to address the disaster
Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a decree declaring a 30-day state of emergency, an exceptional measure granting the government broad powers to address the crisis. Under this decree, the executive branch can immediately allocate funds from the national budget directly to affected areas and relief efforts without requiring congressional approval, thus expediting the humanitarian response.
Casualty figures and conflicting initial numbers
Regarding the human toll, the initial hours of the disaster were marked by conflicting information. The National Disaster Management Authority initially reported 22 deaths. However, authorities later revised the figures, confirming that the official death toll stood at 18, all of whom perished in separate incidents related to the floods and landslides triggered by the rains. Rescue teams continue their work in the affected areas.
The areas most affected: Cordoba in the eye of the storm
Field reports revealed that Córdoba province, a vital cattle-farming center in the country, was among the hardest hit. The flooding affected the homes of over 150,000 residents in this province alone, a result of a dam breach and a dramatic rise in river levels. The disaster was not limited to Córdoba; a state of emergency was declared in eight other provinces, most of them located in the Caribbean: Antioquia, La Guajira, Sucre, Bolívar, Cesar, Magdalena, and Chocó.
Huge economic and agricultural losses
The devastating floods in Colombia have not only impacted human lives but have also dealt a severe blow to the local economy and food security. Government statistics indicate that more than 4,300 homes have been destroyed, and vast areas of farmland, estimated at 300,000 hectares, have been submerged. Since the affected areas are known for their grazing and agricultural lands, the livestock sector has suffered significant losses. The cattle breeders' association confirmed the death of more than 1,200 head of cattle, foreshadowing long-term economic repercussions for the rural population.
