Stories from Colombia

Authorities report hundreds of attendees participated in May Day marches across eight municipalities in Valle Del Cauca. Guillermo Londoño, the Secretary of Security for Valle, stated there are nine scheduled activities including marches and concentrations.

The territorial health secretariat identified the mpox 1b variant in a man in Bogotá. The patient arrived from Spain and is currently in isolation in stable condition.

Authorities identified a cylinder painted with tricolor markings on the road connecting the municipalities of Tello and Baraya in Colombia. Tactical drones were deployed to inspect the object and determined it contained no explosives.

Colombia has decided to act socially and militarily against all drug trafficking organizations along the border with Venezuela. The decision follows the failure to continue peace dialogues with the ELN guerrilla group.

Colombia's National Electoral Council has opened a preliminary investigation into presidential candidate Iván Cepeda. The reporting process was described as diligent by the broadcaster. The disclosure was made through the 'Cuentas Claras' process, according to the report.

President Gustavo Petro has requested that Congress apply a law regarding assistance for delays in the approval of his reforms. The request was made on May 1.

Ocañas, one of 19 municipalities in the Norte de Santander department, is under red alert during the current rainy season. The Secretary of Risk and the Secretary of Environment are being deployed to assist affected families with emergency humanitarian aid.

A Colombian scientific station in Antarctica is facilitating research on animals in their natural environment. Scientists are using observations of rapid wildlife population shifts to inform new projects and initiatives.

Researchers are studying how climate change and pollution impact mercury levels in the Antarctic Peninsula. A study involving the Southern Ocean aims to determine specific mercury concentrations.

Colombian researchers have published a scientific article regarding glaciology and rising temperatures. Researchers noted that while over 50 countries are now part of the Antarctic treaty, only about ten expeditions have been conducted so far. The original treaty was signed by 12 founding nations before other countries began to adhere. The source described the current level of research activity as very recent. The number of research expeditions to Antarctica remains low despite over 50 countries being part of the Antarctic Treaty. Only approximately ten expeditions have been projected to work in the region so far. A researcher noted that while certain species like humpback whales share similar dynamics across regions, other groups such as amphibians and reptiles lack similar connectivity. The study of these organisms remains a challenge for research groups.