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An armed attack on an oil rig in Colombia has left 200,000 people at risk of water shortages, reports global children’s charity Plan International.
It is thought the attack on the Oleoducto Transandino in Tumaco is Colombia’s worst environmental and social disaster for ten years.
Around 410,000 gallons of crude oil has spilled, contaminating rivers and other water sources, putting residents’ health at risk.
Up to 20,000 people have been without clean water for several weeks with many more having to ration drinking water.
“Families in Tumaco are continually at risk and living in fear due to repeated violent attacks by armed groups in the area,” says Eugenio Donadio, Disaster Risk Management Officer at Plan International UK.
“With 20,000 people unable to access clean water for several weeks, the situation has rapidly turned into a humanitarian emergency,” he says.
Plan is planning to help more than 5,000 people by distributing water tanks and filters, as well as adapting existing wells.
The water work will be funded by a £100,000 grant from the START Network, a consortium of 24 NGOs financing emergency responses.
“Children are particularly vulnerable, at risk of infection and other health complications,” says Mr Donadio.
“Plan is committed to intervening to ensure children’s health and wellbeing, which is now possible thanks to the START Network Fund,” he adds.
The attack, organised by the FARC armed group, happened on June 21st. A state of emergency was declared three days later.
Tumaco has been affected by armed conflicts for a number of years, with people forced to leave their homes, while those who continue to live in the area face restrictions on movement.
Martha Espinosa, who manages the Tumaco area for Plan International in Colombia, says: “Tumaco is subject to a complex and devastating environmental situation, affecting the local economy, wildlife, not to mention the communities living there who continue to suffer the consequences.
“We have been working in this area for 45 years, so this project builds on the programmes we are already running.
“It will benefit more than a thousand families and is key to restoring hope among the people living here,” she adds.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
