At Least 11 Dead After Landslide Buries Homes in Northwest Colombia

A landslide in northwestern Colombia has left at least 11 dead, with 15 missing. Rescue efforts are underway in Medellin and Bello, where many have lost their homes due to severe flooding. Local officials have transformed shelters to accommodate evacuees. The landslide is attributed to heavy rains, a common concern in the region during the rainy season.

At least 11 individuals have lost their lives following a devastating landslide in northwestern Colombia, as reported by local authorities on Wednesday. This catastrophe occurred after heavy rainfall unleashed a torrent of mud and debris onto densely populated neighborhoods, resulting in the entrapment of several homes beneath the weight of the overflow.

Rescue efforts are ongoing in Colombia’s second-largest city, Medellin, and the nearby mountainous town of Bello. Search teams, including the use of dogs and drones, are working tirelessly as at least 15 people remain unaccounted for. The mayor of Medellin, Federico Gutierrez, noted the rising death toll while revealing essential evacuation orders for more than 60 homes in Medellin found to be structurally compromised.

In response to the emergency, the Bello administration quickly converted schools, community centers, and even a swimming pool into makeshift shelters to accommodate the over 1,300 displaced individuals who could not return to their homes due to severe flooding. Mayor Lorena Gonzalez Ospina confirmed this swift action amid the chaos following the landslide.

Landslides are sadly common in Colombia, particularly in the rainy season from April to November when the soil can be easily destabilized by heavy downpours. The recent rain, which lashed the region for almost two consecutive days, caused streams to overflow unexpectedly while many residents were asleep. Floodwaters inundated the cities, dragging along debris and sweeping away vehicles and personal belongings.

Forecasters from Colombia’s Weather Service have indicated light rains in the area today, which are expected to be significantly less intense than the storms that wrought this week’s havoc. Recovery efforts continue as Medellin and Bello strive to restore normalcy in the aftermath of this tragic event.

The recent landslide in northwestern Colombia has resulted in at least 11 fatalities, with additional individuals still missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with local authorities working diligently to provide shelter for those displaced. The natural disaster serves as a stark reminder of the challenges during the rainy season in this region, calling attention to the inherent risks environmental changes pose to communities.

Original Source: www.latestly.com