BOGOTA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least three people have been killed, 19 injured and over 3,200 rendered homeless by floods caused by the onset of the second rainy season in Colombia, authorities said on Tuesday.

    Many areas in the country's north, northwest and southwest were flooded due to widespread heavy rainstorms brought along by the start of the second rainy season four days ago.

    Rescuers said the most affected municipalities were Soledad, Carmen de Bolivar, Puerto Santander, Tamalemaque, Chigorodo and Mutata, and tons of humanitarian aid will be sent to the flood-ravaged areas, the National System of Emergencies said.

    Rains have increased river levels, triggering floods that have devastated crops, killed animals, and caused large numbers of houses in some poor regions to collapse.

    The National System of Emergencies has asked the mayors of the affected municipalities to take immediate measures to protect people's lives in high-risk zones and shelter the displaced.

    The current rainy season in Colombia is estimated to extend at least to November.