Colombia Declares National Disaster
The Colombian government has been forced to declare a national disaster in 28 of the country's 32 states, as heavy rains continue to affect hundreds of thousands.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos stressed the urgency of the situation.
[Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos]:
"What are we going to be able to do with a disaster [being declared] in 28 of 32 administrative departments? We are going to have access to more help and distribute it more effectively and efficiently."
Flooding and subsequent landslides have killed at least 136 people throughout the country, and affected more than 1.2 million.
People have been forced to leave their flooded homes. Many sleep and prepare meals on the streets, as they wait for the waters to subside.
Others have packed their belongings in canoes and abandoned their homes for higher ground.
The heavy rains are expected to continue.
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