At least 271 people have died since early November in Colombia due to the rainy season, the strongest in four decades and which could last until March, according to an official report published Thursday (November 17th). Rainfall has increased over the past three weeks, affecting 745,000 people in the country’s 32 departments, according to the National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD). A total of 348 people were injured, 6,755 houses were destroyed, as well as hundreds of roads, bridges and drains.
The rains are associated with the cyclic phenomenon of La Niña, which leads to a cooling of the Pacific Ocean. Global warming could also increase the phenomenon and make it more deadly, according to scientists. Media also highlight deforestation, which increases the impact of floods. The winter season in Colombia normally lasts until December, but there is a “probability of more than 58%” that it will continue in February and March, warned the director of the UNGRD, Javier Pava Sanchez, during a press conference.
Ruined crops
The government of President Gustavo Petro declared the state of “national disaster” at the beginning of the month in order to mobilize more public resources. As part of this measure, it will provide subsidies to single mothers and hopes to guarantee food for affected families.
The rains have also ruined crops, which could lead to a further rise in food prices, warned the UNGRD, as Colombia faces the highest inflation in two decades (11.4% per year). ) and an unprecedented devaluation of its currency, the Colombian peso, against the dollar.