Flooding in Arauca, Colombia estimated to affect 30,000 people
Since 22nd May, the Colombian north - east department of Arauca has experienced heavy rains creating emergency situations due to the floods caused by overflown rivers . In Saravena municipality a red alert has been published due to the level of severity of the situation .
Arauquita and Arauca municipalities are also on high alert as water levels continue to rise .
Local authorities are working to get more accurate figures about the affected population , as several main roads have being affected, isolating communities and even municipalities , both in urban and rural sectors. Houses and public spaces such as schools, health clinics and child centres which were being used as emergency shelter have now also been flooded, leaving population without secure shelter . The municipal structures for water distribution have been affected, as well as household and community wells. The population now has to depend on the river water that is severely polluted due to the pollution from the oil industry in the upper river. Energy supply also has been affected. Most of the rural population depend for subsistence on small scale farming and livestock, initial reports reflect the destruction of crops and death of animals. In the seven communities located next to the river , already 3,000 persons have been affected, therefore the global number in the whole department will be much higher, closer to 30, 000 persons is the current estimate .
In addition, the ombudsman’s office has warned that the security situation could worsen in the Arauca department after the guerrilla group FARC withdrew their unilateral cease fire putting the civilian population at higher risk. The guerrilla group ELN has also been active in Arauca. Both groups are present in Saravena.
