Americares Responds to the Flooding in Cartagena Colombia

A flood struck the La Mojana Region in Colombia on May 6th after the ‘Caregato’ dam breached its barriers and caused significant flooding. The flooding has impacted the lives of approximately 304,026 residents. The affected population is diverse, including Zenú indigenous communities, and faces high poverty levels, inadequate access to basic services, and increased vulnerability to both communicable and non-communicable diseases. Nearly half of the residents (49%) lack access to safe drinking water.

Americares has deployed a team from our Colombia office to the disaster area. The team is conducting assessments in 22 communities to evaluate the needs of the health infrastructure in the affected zones, deliver hygiene kits to support the displaced population, and establish how Americares can best provide assistance.