At Least 11 Dead After Landslide Buries Homes in Northwest Colombia

At least 11 people have died in a landslide in northwestern Colombia, with rescue operations ongoing for missing residents. Heavy rain caused the disaster, and local authorities have transformed facilities into shelters for those displaced. Medellin’s mayor confirmed the rising death toll and issued evacuations for dangerously damaged homes.

At least 11 fatalities have been reported after a landslide struck northwestern Colombia, as confirmed by local authorities on Wednesday. This tragedy unfolded a day after heavy rains released a massive flood of mud and debris onto densely populated neighborhoods, burying several homes beneath. Rescue operations continue in Medellin, the country’s second-largest city, and in the nearby town of Bello, where search teams are actively looking for approximately 15 individuals still unaccounted for.

In a rapid response, the municipal government of Bello converted local schools and community centers, including a swimming pool, into makeshift shelters. Mayor Lorena Gonzalez Ospina noted that these facilities now accommodate over 1,300 people who either lost their homes or are unable to return due to the flooding. The situation remains critical as the search and rescue teams employ various methods, including dogs and drones, in their efforts.

Medellin’s mayor, Federico Gutierrez, updated the public on the death toll, which has risen to 11. He also announced the immediate evacuation of over 60 homes in Medellin that were deemed structurally unsound due to the landslide. This area of Colombia is no stranger to landslides; they frequently occur during the rainy season, which spans from April to November, when intense rainfall can destabilize the soil.

The flooding that led to this devastation resulted from nearly two straight days of torrential rain, which caused streams to overflow in the early hours of Tuesday. Many residents were asleep when the floods swept through urban areas, dragging away vehicles and personal belongings. Forecasts from Colombia’s Weather Service indicate milder rain for Wednesday, signaling a change from the severe weather earlier in the week.

The landslide in northwestern Colombia has claimed the lives of at least 11 individuals, with rescue teams diligently working to find missing persons. The local government has taken significant measures to assist over 1,300 displaced residents. Unfortunately, landslides are a recurring issue in the region during the rainy season, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by natural disasters in this area. As rescue efforts continue, the hope remains that more survivors will be found among the rubble.

Original Source: www.latestly.com