The town of Pedraza in northeast Colombia was flooded 83 days ago, but inhabitants of the town are still wondering when the promised government aid will come, reported Caracol Radio Thursday.
Residents of the town, which was flooded by the Magdalena River, told Caracol Radio that the only humanitarian aid they have heard about was over television and radio broadcasts.
Townspeople claim that valuables from markets, even plates of zinc, are impounded in the home of the mayor, Mario Lozano, to be delivered in exchange for political favors.
The unwillingness of the authorities to build a retaining wall to prevent further over-flowing of the river is what most worries the townspeople, according to the report.
Crops and livestock have been washed away by the flood, leaving 80% of the population of Pedraza who are now have to work the land in poverty.
Health care is another issue. The community does not have a hospital or a doctor to tend to the most basic medical needs.
The inspector general’s delegate for the defense and rights of children and family, Ilva Myriam Hoyos Castañeda, visited the flooded areas from January 31 to February 2.
“The conditions of these communities are worrisome. The displaced we dealt with were anguished and expressed hunger and thirst … Children are the most affected,” said the delegate.
