The governor of Tolima, Adriana Magali Matiz, has announced her intention to request the Departmental Disaster Risk Management Council to declare a Public Calamity throughout the entire Tolima territory.
Affectations
The decision comes amid worrying reports of intense rainfall that has hit several municipalities in the region in the last days.«Today in our department We have 14 municipalities that have already declared a Public Calamity, three in Red Alert and ten in Orange Alert. This afternoon, at the Departmental Risk Management Council, I am going to propose that we declare a Public Calamity throughout the department due to the incessant and destructive periods of rain,” Matiz stated.
The president highlighted the seriousness of the climate situation facing the region, warning about the imminent impact of the La Niña phenomenon, scheduled for July. «We face periods of long droughts, high temperatures, water rationing like those that are being seen in Bogotá, and the disappearance of rivers and tributaries. Besides, La Niña will bring torrential and unexpected downpours, landslides and floods, often catastrophic«, Matiz detailed.
Immediate actions
The request for a declaration of Public Calamity aims to mobilize resources and coordinate actions to mitigate the impact of the intense rains and protect the population. During the Tolima Grande Regional Meeting to update the Biodiversity Action Plan, Matiz emphasized the urgent need to prepare for these extreme conditions.
«We are in a critical situation which requires the attention and cooperation of all entities involved in risk management. “We must be prepared to face these climate challenges and protect our people,” concluded the governor.
The Government of Tolima urges citizens to stay informed and follow the recommendations of the authorities to guarantee their safety during this rainy season. Collaboration and preparation are essential to confront this climate crisis that threatens to leave a devastating mark on the region.
PHOTO: Governor Adriana Matiz declaring a public calamity in the department. Supplied / El Nuevo Día.
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