Perilous Times and Climate Change
State of emergency declared as viscous floods swamp Colombia
By The CNN Wire Staff
November 19, 2010 10:32 p.m. EST
A girl crosses a flooded street in Bogota on Thursday during flooding
that has affected 1.2 million people in Colombia.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
* At least 136 people have died and 205 have been injured in
flooding and mudslides
* Another 20 people are missing, officials said
* The bad weather has affected 561 municipalities, officials say
(CNN) -- Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has declared a state of
emergency in 28 of the nation's 32 departments because of heavy rains
and flooding that have affected some 1.2 million people.
He called on the international community to help and said the capacity
of the Colombian government is overwhelmed.
Flooding and mudslides have killed at least 136 people, injured 205 and
left 20 missing, the nation's Interior and Justice Ministry reported.
Emergency officials say the heavy rain has led to problems in 561
municipalities in the South American nation.
"Many have lost everything they had and the capacity of the government
[to help them] has been overwhelmed. We're trying to find ways to get
more resources and that's why we're calling on the business sector, the
public in general, and the international community to help us because,
unfortunately, the situation is getting worse," said Santos.
He declared the state of emergency after meeting Thursday with ministry
officials. Santos made the announcement on national television, saying
the declaration would help get aid to those who need it.
The flooding has also damaged the nation's crops and livestock
inventory, officials said.
Meteorologists are predicting rain for the next two weeks over large
parts of the country, with heavy downpours expected in the next few
days.