At least eighteen people have been killed in landslides in the northwest of Colombia, in the Choco region, according to local authorities. At least 35 people were injured. The landslides are the result of heavy rainfall that has lasted for a day.
It happened on the road that connects the cities of Medellín and Quibdó, near the town of Carmen de Atrato. Three landslides occurred there, one of which is said to have crushed a house containing about fifty people. According to a local official, they had gone out of their car to protect themselves from disasters in the house, but the house was also buried by a landslide.
Colombia’s Vice President Francia Márquez said 30 people were injured and Mayor Carmen de Atrato said many were still buried under mud and rubble. According to the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD), 18 people have so far been killed and 35 others injured, 25 of whom were transferred to Carmen Hospital.
It is difficult to reach the affected area, which makes the work of aid organizations virtually impossible. Moreover, the mobile network is weak. A department of the army is trying to reach the affected area, and in addition to soldiers, it also sends dogs and drones. The government would also deploy two helicopters.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and never miss anything from the stars.