Colombia Floods Situation Update 10 January 2012 (ENG)

HIGHLIGHTS / KEY PRIORITIES

 Nearly 1 million people and a third of all municipalities in Colombia are affected by flooding. The National System for Disaster Prevention and Response is leading the response with support from the humanitarian community. The Emergency Relief Fund has been activated to mobilise funds for the response.

 Over half a million had also been affected by the ongoing conflict and/or due to weather events from last year’s La Niña phenomenon. Livelihoods, shelter, education and water and sanitation have been heavily affected in these areas.

 Flooding has been most devastating in Chocó, Córdoba and Antioquia departments. The humanitarian community in coordination with national and local authorities must work to collaborate to help communities in these areas.

 It remains a priority to strengthen capacity for crisis response at the local level, especially for newly elected governors and mayors. Effective information management and communication are crucial to support the humanitarian response and continue to be a key area of focus for actors involved in the response.

Colombia Floods Situation Update 10 January 2012 (ENG)