ReliefWeb

This note is compiled for The Risk Emergency Disaster Working Group for Latin America and the Caribbean (REDLAC) by the OCHA Regional Office through disaster monitoring and input from our Regional Humanitarian partners. This note does not intend to be an analytical tool, but a summary paper of key facts and actions reported by sources. Activities carried in affected countries are not limited to the ones reported here. Please check with sources for further information. For input, feedback and suggestions send us an email to ocha-rolac@un.org

HIGHLIGHTS:

- ARGENTINA: Argentinean president announced on February 13 a USD 45.4 million fund to reconstruct houses, roads, sewage and gas systems.

- COLOMBIA: Galeras volcano in southern Colombia, near the border with Ecuador, began erupting and some 8,000 residents were ordered to evacuate.

FLOODS

ARGENTINA: Heavy rains persisted in the northwestern city of Tartagal, in Salta. The situation is hampering the return home of more than 600 people. Argentinean president announced on February 13 a USD 45.4 million fund to reconstruct houses, roads, sewage and gas systems. More than 87,000 food rations, 2,400 mattresses, 1,300 blankets, bed linen and mineral water has been distributed in the affected zones, according to authorities. No further needs have been identified.

Source: El Dia, Latin America Herald Tribune

BOLIVIA: More than 20 cities in the East of Santa Cruz were flooded due to heavy rains on February 13. Local authorities declared an Orange Alert in the zone. So far, the 2009 rainy season has affected more than 10,000 in the Bolivian territory. Water levels in the main rivers of the country continue to upraise and more flooding is expected, as the rainy season reaches its peak at the end of the month. Last year, 485,000 people were affected by flooding.

Source: Reliefweb

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: Authorities kept a Red Alert in four provinces. More than 9,200 people have been affected and forced to evacuate their homes. According to authorities, 945 of this total are in official shelters, while the rest have moved with families or friends. More than 1,840 houses have been affected. No further needs have been identified.

Source: COE, Reliefweb