Downpours continue to devastate Colombia

Heavy downpours continue to ravage Colombia, prompting Interior Minister, Fabio Valencia Cossio to call on local and regional authorities to implement contingency plans to deal with the torrential weather, reports Caracol Radio.

The minister said that the rains have led to emergencies in 134 cities across the nation and requested that prevention committees attempt to “shovel” the problem.

So far this rainy season, flooding, swollen rivers and landslides have affected 84,279 people, while 18 people have lost their lives, 87 have been wounded and five are still missing.

Over 18,000 families have struggled with the harsh weather, and 129 houses have been destroyed.