No fewer than 18 lives were lost in a landslide that occurred in northwest Colombia, which also left at least 30 individuals injured.
The incident, according to Colombian authorities on Friday, caused significant damage to the road connecting the cities of Medellin and Quibdo, leading to its temporary closure due to multiple landslides, according to an official from the governor’s office in the Choco department.
Tragically, near the municipality of Carmen de Atrato, where the road was affected, numerous individuals sought refuge in a house after exiting their vehicles. Unfortunately, a landslide occurred, burying many of them. The official reported 18 confirmed deaths so far.
Vice President Francia Marquez stated that approximately 30 people sustained injuries during the landslide. Jaime Herrera, the mayor of Carmen de Atrato, described some individuals as “seriously injured,” with others still trapped under debris, although an exact figure was not provided.
Images circulating on social media and television channels depicted the aftermath of the disaster, showing vehicles destroyed by mud and landslides.
Choco, a department bordering the Pacific Ocean with a vast tropical forest, has experienced heavy rainfall in the past 24 hours. Despite a period of drought in Colombia, the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies had previously warned about the risk of heavy rains in several departments adjoining the Pacific and the Amazon.
The Colombian authorities are actively responding to the situation, coordinating rescue efforts and providing assistance to those affected by this tragic event.
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