BOGOTA, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Thousands of Colombians have lost their homes and possessions in devastating floods that have left at least 136 people dead, officials said.
President Juan Manuel Santos declared a state of emergency Thursday for 28 of the country's 32 provinces, CNN reported. Officials say more than 1.2 million people have been driven from their homes or otherwise affected by the flooding and mudslides, following heavy rains.
"Many have lost everything they had and the capacity of the government has been overwhelmed," Santos said. "We're trying to find ways to get more resources and that's why we're calling on the business sector, the public in general, and the international community to help us because, unfortunately, the situation is getting worse."
The Interior and Justice Ministry put the death toll at 136 with at least 20 others missing and 205 injured.
