Colombian Families Hit by More Flooding

Nov. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- Colombian families are enduring the second wave of flooding to hit them this year, bringing more deaths and destruction. During the second half of 2010 and the first half of 2011, the country experienced the strongest rainy season in the last 40 years, causing hundreds of deaths and widespread devastation.

The second rainy season of 2011 is also seeing above-normal rainfall – causing landslides and,  in some places, water levels have reached the rooftops.

On alert

Given the severity of the situation earlier this year, and the fact that about 90 per cent of the population live in risk prone areas, the Colombian Government has been on alert and put contingency plans in place – to provide cookware, food,  and tents and be prepared for minor works, debris removal  and clearing roads.

But there is still work to do. Plan is concentrating its efforts in the city of Cartagena and the towns in the nearby municipalities belonging to the Department of Bolivar.
Plan is currently assessing the extent of damage, identifying priority needs, supporting the organisation of shelter – and providing basic help including mattresses and breakfasts. Further rain and flooding is forecast until March 2012.

More information about http://www.plan-uk.org/