Colombia has declared a 30-day state of emergency after devastating floods killed at least 18 people and displaced thousands across the country’s northern cattle region.
President Gustavo Petro announced the emergency decree on Wednesday, granting his administration special powers to respond swiftly to the crisis.
The order allows the government to allocate funds and resources to affected areas without waiting for congressional approval.
The worst hit area is Cordoba department, where overflowing rivers and a damaged dam caused water to surge into communities.
More than 150,000 residents have been affected as homes, roads, and farmlands were submerged.
Authorities report that over 4,300 homes have been destroyed, leaving many families without shelter.
Emergency teams are working to provide temporary housing, food supplies, and medical assistance to displaced residents.
The floods have also taken a heavy toll on agriculture and livestock, key sectors in Colombia’s northern cattle belt.
According to the cattle ranchers’ association, at least 1,200 cattle have died due to the disaster.
Earlier this week, Colombia’s disaster relief agency reported 22 deaths nationwide. However, officials later revised the confirmed death toll to 18.
The emergency declaration enables President Petro to fast track disaster response measures over the next 30 days, including directing financial aid and coordinating relief efforts in the hardest hit departments.
