Summary
At least 69,000 families in northern Colombia have been affected by floods triggered by heavy rains. The flooding occurred over a week and destroyed about 9,000 homes along the Sinú, San Jorge, and Canaletes rivers. Approximately 22 people died due to the storms hitting the departments of Córdoba, Antioquia, Santander, and Chocó. Church officials have been delivering food kits, clothing, and spiritual support to affected individuals. Father Elkin Arenas Torres, head of Montelíbano’s Social Pastoral Ministry, noted that locals were advised to elevate their furniture but did not anticipate the water levels would rise so dramatically, leading to entire houses being swept away by floodwaters. Many families lost all their belongings in urban areas, prompting Church officials to set up temporary shelters and distribute food kits. Meanwhile, Father Dick Benjumea, from Montería’s Social Pastoral Ministry, reported that 6,000 people were currently housed in these shelters as other local governments have announced they are running out of supplies. Bishop Farly Gil Betancur of Montelíbano called for donations across the country through collection points established by churches. Church officials emphasized the devastating impact on communities and agricultural lands, fearing it could affect food supply to cities.
Key Topics
Colombia, Floods, Church relief
