At least 11 people have died in a landslide in northwestern Colombia after heavy rains caused mud and debris to bury homes. Rescue efforts are underway, with at least 15 individuals reported missing. More than 1,300 displaced residents are being sheltered in community centers. Local authorities are on high alert amidst the ongoing rainy season.
In a tragic incident in northwestern Colombia, at least 11 individuals have lost their lives due to a landslide, which occurred after heavy rain inundated the region. The disaster struck on Tuesday, when a large wall of mud and debris descended upon populated neighborhoods, burying dozens of homes. This has been confirmed by local authorities as they continue to assess the full scale of the devastation.
Rescue efforts are ongoing in Medellin, the country’s second-largest city, as local teams dig through the rubble in hopes of finding survivors. Near the nearby town of Bello, the search continues for at least 15 other people who are reported missing following the landslide. The intensity of the situation underscores the severe impacts of the rainfall that triggered this disaster.
In response to the crisis, Bello’s authorities have quickly repurposed various public spaces, including schools and community centers, turning them into shelters. Mayor Lorena Gonzalez Ospina stated that these facilities are housing over 1,300 people who were either displaced from their homes or could not return due to the high floodwaters, which poses dangers.
Medellin’s Mayor Federico Gutierrez has reported that the overall fatalities from this landslide now stand at 11. He noted that emergency services are still actively engaged in search-and-rescue operations utilizing canines, drones, and advanced tools. Sadly, the municipal office has had to order the immediate evacuation of more than 60 homes that sustained structural damage, as the risks increase.
This area of Colombia is prone to landslides, particularly during the rainy season that spans from April until November. The constant downpours create loose soil conditions, making it susceptible to such disasters. This particular landslide was exacerbated by almost two consecutive days of intense rainfall, causing local streams to overflow early Tuesday morning.
As the floodwaters rushed through the cities, they carried with them significant amounts of debris, resulting in the destruction of cars and personal items left unprotected. According to Colombia’s Weather Service, rain is expected to be lighter on Wednesday. Fortunately, it’s not anticipated to approach the severity of the rainfall experienced earlier in the week and hoped that search efforts would continue to uncover survivors.
In summary, the recent landslide in northwestern Colombia has claimed at least 11 lives, with rescue operations still ongoing as local authorities search for those missing. The heavy rains that caused the disaster have left scores homeless, leading officials to convert community spaces into shelters for displaced residents. Colombia’s vulnerability to such natural events is a significant concern, especially during the rainy season. Careful monitoring of weather patterns and immediate response strategies will be crucial in preventing future tragedies of this nature.
Original Source: www.latestly.com
