Colombia’s government declares state of emergency due to drought in northern regions

Global Business

Colombia has spent millions of dollars to alleviate a drought that has plagued northern portion of the country.

The government has declared a state of emergency in 11 regions due to water shortages, forest fires and coastal erosion. Officials say they continue to do their best to contain the damage. CCTV America correspondent Michelle Begue has this story from Colombia.

President Juan Manuel Santos called for citizens to participate in the emergency plan by reducing water consumption. But a local youth organization has taken it a step further by starting a collection of water across the country. More than eight regions of Colombia are participating in trying to send 10 tons of water to not only La Guajira but other areas like Casanare, where future droughts are expected.

Because of the country’s geography, experts say Colombia will suffer major impacts from climate change in the future. A report from the United Nations Development Program says Colombian citizens are highly vulnerable as large populations live in mountainous areas with scarce water sources, or on the coast where the rising sea level may cause inundations.

Far from looking at what to do in the future, Colombia’s current efforts are concentrated in fixing the current damage.