UN agencies in Colombia allocate funds for flood emergency response

United Nations agencies have mobilised nearly $6 million to support efforts by the Colombian Government to respond to the humanitarian needs of those affected by the heavy rainfall that has caused floods and landslides in the South American country.

“We are working hand in hand with the Government of Colombia and national humanitarian actors, the Colombian Red Cross and Pastoral Social, in order to reach the most affected communities which are in conditions of major vulnerability,” said Bruno Moro, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Colombia.

Heavy rainfall associated with the La Niña weather phenomenon has lashed Colombia since the middle of this year, causing floods in the Andes region and the Caribbean coastal area, according to the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Nearly 1.3 million people in 28 departments and the capital, Bogotá, are affected and are in need of food assistance, water and sanitation, shelters, emergency education and health services.

The $6 million was allocated from the local UN emergency response fund.

UN agencies and partner non-governmental organisations have already been assisting those affected in some of the worst-hit areas. Seven rapid needs assessment missions are being carried out, according to OCHA.