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Colombia

Colombia: Floods DREF operation No. MDRCO006

Attachments

Glide No, FL-2009-000052-COL

The International Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross and Red Crescent response to emergencies. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation's disaster response system and increases the ability of national societies to respond to disasters.

CHF 177,000 (USD 152,369 or EUR 118,932) has been allocated from the Federation's Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Colombian Red Cross Society in delivering immediate assistance to 1,000 families. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary

The Andean region of Colombia has been deeply affected by constant rain since 16 February 2009. The sectors of Antioquia, Tolima, Santander, Cauca and Nariño amongst others in the Pacific region are in a high state of alert due to floods and landslides. Latest reports indicate that 41,395 people have been affected. However, this number might increase since the rain in the Pacific region continues. This operation will focus on providing relief assistance and basic medical care for the most affected families as well as carrying out water and sanitation activities. This operation is expected to be implemented over three months, and will therefore be completed by 23 May 2009; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 23 August 2009).

The situation

On 16 February, 2009, in Department of Nariño - the Andean region between Ecuador and Colombia -constant rainfall increased the water level of the Mira River. Tumaco, a municipality in Nariño, is the most affected by the overflow of the river causing floods and isolating some regions. The municipal authorities performed search and rescue activities in the affected area with support from the Civil Defence and the Colombian Red Cross Society (CRCS). Other authorities such as the Colombian Armed Forces, the Fire Department and the National Police have provided immediate response to the emergency.

The most affected communities in the department of Nariño are Tumaco, Sotomayor, Barbacoas, Mallama, Ipiales, Ricaurte and Roberto Payán, leaving over 40,000 people affected, 8 dead, and 22 missing. The National Disaster Prevention and Response System informs that 20,000 hectares of land were affected, 14 schools and 1,400 houses were damaged and 1,125 houses were destroyed. Currently, 13 temporary shelters are operating in the zone. The Health department has diagnosed several diseases in the affected areas, among them: flu, parasites, cephalea, urinary tract infections and dengue. Infrastructure was also severely affected, especially the water systems in Tumaco and the surrounding areas of Barbacoas and Roberto Payán. The electric supply has been interrupted in 13 districts due to the floods. Damage and needs assessments are still being completed and additional overflow of rivers is expected. Authorities are contemplating the relocation of homes and communities that will not be able to go back to their homes as a result of the emergency.

The Colombian government declared on 23 February, a disaster alert in the municipality of Tumaco and neighboring communities. The government provided immediate assistance to the people in temporary shelters,
consisting of food items, water, mattresses, hygiene items and kitchen kits. This assistance was provided with support from the Regional Committee for Prevention and Response to Disasters (Comité Regional de Prevención y Atención de Desastres - CREPAD). Medium and long term programme are needed to reactivate and rehabilitate the social and economic situation in the affected areas.