Colombia declares state of emergency

Colombia has declared a state of emergency following severe floods that have killed 18 people and displaced thousands in the country’s northern cattle belt.

Authorities said homes were submerged after a dam and several rivers overflowed in Córdoba, one of the worst-hit departments, affecting more than 150,000 residents.

The floods have destroyed over 4,300 homes and inundated large areas used for grazing and agriculture, the government reported. The country’s cattle ranchers’ association confirmed that at least 1,200 cattle have died.

Colombia’s disaster relief agency had earlier reported 22 deaths nationwide on Monday but later revised the figure down.

The emergency decree, issued by President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday, allows the government to take special measures for 30 days to tackle the crisis. This includes allocating resources to affected regions without the need for congressional approval.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as heavy rains persist across northern Colombia, raising concerns about further flooding and displacement.