Colombia has declared a state of emergency following severe flooding that has claimed at least 18 lives and displaced thousands of families in the country’s northern cattle belt.
The emergency was announced on Wednesday after heavy floods submerged communities in Cordoba, one of the worst-hit departments, where overflowing rivers and a dam collapse left homes underwater. Authorities said more than 150,000 residents have been affected in the area.
The flooding has also caused massive destruction across the region, with over 4,300 homes damaged or destroyed and large portions of farmland and grazing fields submerged.
The impact on livestock has been severe, as the country’s cattle ranchers’ association reported that at least 1,200 cattle have died.
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Earlier in the week, Colombia’s disaster relief agency reported 22 flood-related deaths nationwide but later revised the figure downward.
Under the emergency decree, President Gustavo Petro will be able to take special actions for the next 30 days, including releasing emergency funds and directing resources to affected departments without requiring approval from Congress.
