The Magdalena river caused an emergency situation in Plato, Magdalena
when one of the levees responsible for containing the rising river
broke and flooded the town. 20,000 people are said to be affected.
According to Caracol Radio, the water has flooded the city center and surrounding neighborhoods.
Authorities say that the majority of the affected families were able to rescue their belongings, but others, especially those living in the center of the town never had the time and lost everything.
Plato mayor José Santander Rosales Cortina called the flood a catastrophe and called on the national government to send aid.
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