The number of fatalities from landslides and floods caused by heavy rains in Colombia is continuing to grow. According to authorities, since March 162 people have died in the extreme weather conditions.
In their weekly report on the crisis situation caused by the rainy season, authorities say that 162 people died, 19 are missing, 233 have been injured and close to 1.4 million Colombians have suffered damages.
More than 1,700 homes have been destroyed and 233,025 have been damaged by the weather.
The ongoing rains and thunderstorms are also putting a pressure on the country’s infrastructure. Dozens of roads connecting Colombia’s cities have been closed because of landslides or risk of landslides and air traffic came to an almost complete standstill on Friday when heavy rains flooded runways of the country’s main El Dorado airport in Bogota.
Following the government’s decision to declare a national disaster, foreign governments agreed to sending aid. Venezuela has agreed to send 14 tons of medicine and goods to help the victims.
According to Colombian meteorologists, the heavy rains will continue until at least the end of this year.