Hailstorms, gale force winds and heavy rains have dampened Easter celebrations in the central Colombian department of Risaralda.
Belen de Umbria, in the west of Risaralda has been worst hit, with 14 of its neighborhoods and 121 surrounding districts declared “seriously affected” by the adverse weather conditions.
The International Committee of the Red Cross, emergency services and firefighters are providing aid to some 850 residents whose roofs were ripped their houses by the gale forces winds.
Residents’ belogings and food stores have been flooded, and at least 80 families have had to find alternate lodging as heavy rains continue to inundate the region, fire fighters told Caracol Radio.
In rural areas, gales force winds have decimated crops of coffee and plantains, as well as those of tropical fruits lulo and granadilla. Authorities estimate harvest loses could run as high as $250,000.
