$2.1 billion, earmarked for emergencies due to rains

The National Government allocated 2.1 billion pesos (about 412 million dollars) for address consequences left by the rains on issues such as food, health and housing.

(See: Why Petro says that the world ‘fixes itself’ without oil and without coal).

“We are in an emergency, resources have already been allocated. There has already been a transfer that must add 2.1 billion to attend to the urgent, which is food, in the first place; health for affected people, and places to relocate in flood zones“, expressed President Gustavo Petro.

And I add: “Already next year we will have the task of rebuilding roads (…) And something that is fundamental, which had to do with prevention, which has not been done in Colombia, which today could generate, as is happening in Bogotá, that there is no victims“.

(See: Poverty in Colombia grew to almost 40%, according to Cepal, CAF and Ocde).

Due to the rainy season, which reaches the highest levels in four decades and has left more than 200 dead so far in 2022, the president declared a disaster situation in the country in the first week of november.

According to figures released by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd), the rains leave at least 203 people dead, 281 injured and more than 450,000 homeless in the last 10 months.

(See: Colombia’s request for the US to review sanctions against Conviasa).

This winter wave, Petro explained, is in terms of falling water, the largest in the last 40 years.

“The indicators are higher than the 2010-2011 disaster and, even worse, the probability is high that it will last until February, March or April 2023. The water table is extremely highPeter said.

(See: They announce a new subsidy for mothers who are heads of households: it will be $500,000).

EFE