Colombia Under State of Emergency After Deadly Floods

Colombia remains under a state of emergency declared Wednesday after severe flooding killed at least 18 people and displaced thousands across the country’s northern cattle belt.

Authorities said rising waters submerged homes and farmland after a dam and several rivers overflowed in Cordoba department, one of the hardest-hit areas, affecting more than 150,000 residents.

The floods have destroyed more than 4,300 homes and inundated vast areas used for grazing and agriculture, compounding losses in a region heavily dependent on livestock and farming.

The national cattle ranchers’ association reported that at least 1,200 cattle have died.

Colombia’s disaster relief agency had initially reported 22 deaths nationwide earlier in the week but later revised the toll to 18.

Under the emergency decree, President Gustavo Petro is authorized to implement special measures for 30 days, including reallocating resources to affected departments without prior congressional approval, as authorities intensify response and recovery efforts. (Agencies)