160 Dead, 220,000 Homes Damaged As Weeks Of Rain In Colombia Elicit National Emergency Declaration

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BOGOTA, Colombia, November 30, 2010 (ENS) - The government of Colombia has declared a state of national catastrophe due to the intense rains that have inundated much of the country, causing more than 160 deaths and affecting more than 1.4 million people.

This declaration, which applies to 28 of Colombia's 32 departments, allows the country to access international funds for response efforts. The intense rainy season has left 220 injured and damaged more than 230,000 houses. The heavy rain this rain season has also damaged many main and secondary roadways throughout the country, leaving some areas cut off from assistance.

Colombia experiences two rainy seasons - April through June and October through December. This year, meteorologists say, the winter rainy season has intensified due to the onset of La Nina, a cool weather pattern in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, which typically produces more rain across northern South America. Weather officials say the heavy rains could continue through January as the La Nina is expected to continue.

The National Navy has transported 60 tons of humanitarian aid to Colombian flood victims on the Pacific coast. More than 1,200 families have benefitted in the municipalities of Bacas de Satinga, Lopez de Micay, Docordo and Noanamito.

EDIT

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/nov2010/2010-11-30-01.html