Ref: DHAGVA - 96/0206
SITUATION
1. Since early 1996, Colombia has been affected by unusually heavy rains causing floods mainly in the northern part of the country. The most affected region includes the states of Cordoba, Bolivar, Magdalena, Cesar and Sucre.
2. According to UNDP/DHA Resident Representative the preliminary estimates indicate that about 700 square kilometers of crop areas (cereals, coffee, cotton, pasture, fruits) have been flooded. It is calculated that about 180,000 people have been affected.
3. On May 24, the Government declared the situation to be a national emergency and is now developing a plan to give support during this emergency to prevent new floods, and to help regional and municipal authorities to assist the victims.
NATIONAL RESPONSE
4. In order to face this emergency, the SNPAD (National System for the Prevention and Support to Disasters) has been acting through the national Red Cross, the national Civil Service and the different regional and local committees. Regarding rehabilitation, the different national entities are giving priority to resource allocation to the affected areas.
5. The National Bureau for the Prevention and Support to Disasters (DNPAD), as the ruling body of SNPAD, is the national entity responsible for the coordination of assistance.
NEEDS
6. Some regional and local committees have asked the DNPAD for extra help regarding food, tents and tools, which have been supplied to a reasonable extent.
7. Up to now, the Government of Colombia has not issued a request for international assistance.
Telephone no: +41-22-917.12.34
In case of emergency only: +41-22-917.20.10
Desk Officer: Mr. E. Haegglund tel +41 22 917 32.99/Mr. C. Pereira, direct
tel. +41-22-917.13.83
Press to contact: Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo, direct tel.: +41-22-917.28.56
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fax: +41-22-917.00.23
Email: dhagva at dha.Unicc.Org