A landslide in central Colombia destroyed the main water supply pipeline of the capital city of the Caldas department, leaving 360,000 residents without water service, Colombian media reported Thursday.
The local government of the city of Manizales announced that 27 water tanker trucks will deliver water on Thursday to 120 neighborhoods as well as over 60 hospitals and clinics and two prisons affected by the disaster. The mayor said they plan to eventually have 80 tankers servicing the city.
According to authorities, the water supply pipeline will not be repaired until Sunday, October 23.
Manizales Ombudsman Juan Carlos Perez said that there was no water available for sale in about 30 supermarkets he visited in the city. The administrators of the local stores said they expect more water to be sent in from neighboring cities of Pereira and Armenia.
The local government authorized the use of water from a treatment plant, which holds about 95,000 gallons.
Perez said the government will prioritize the delivery of water to hospitals, the elderly, and the 2,000 inmates in Manizales prisons.
The mayor of Manizales, Juan Manuel Llano, explained that universities as well as private and public schools have suspended operations until the crisis is solved. Government offices and companies will continue working until 1PM.
President Juan Manuel Santos visited Manizales Thursday morning to address the emergency. He asked for the solidarity of the government, private businesses, and all Colombians in addressing the crisis.