Colombian president to help flood victims

BOGOTA, April 22 (UPI) -- The Colombian president promised an additional $8.4 million for victims of floods and landslides caused by this year's rainy season, officials said.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos vowed to help the victims of flooding that have killed 85 people and threatens a large part of the country's territory, El Espectador reported.

"The situation is very serious," said Santos. "Nobody will be left without humanitarian help."

A study released by the Agustin Codazzi Geographic Institute showed as much as 9 percent of Colombia's land could be underwater by the end of the season, which started in February.

Santos said the water level of the Magdalena River "is the highest in all of history."

Colombia's meteorological institute said the worst of this year's rainy season has yet to come.

Santos's proposal came three days after he said he may withdraw a request to add $3.16 billion to this year's national budget to help the 2 million victims of last year's rainy season.