A devastating series of landslides has left a trail of destruction in Colombia’s northwestern Chocó region, resulting in a tragic loss of at least 37 lives, as reported by authorities from the Prosecutor’s Office to CNN en Español this Saturday.
Details regarding the number of injuries remain undisclosed in the latest update.
Governor Nubia Carolina Córdoba Curi expressed the profound sorrow felt by the people of Chocó, stating, “We are experiencing a very sad weekend for Chocó. Our people feel the pain of the victims. I will not rest until I make sure that all Chocoans have information about their relatives.”
The landslides occurred along a crucial route connecting the cities of Quibdó and Medellín, following 24 hours of relentless rainfall, according to Colombia’s Vice President Francia Marquez’s statement on X.
In response to the tragedy, at least 17 bodies have been transferred to Medellin for forensic examination, as confirmed by authorities.
Social media captured the harrowing moment when a substantial portion of land dislodged from a mountain, crashing onto numerous vehicles navigating the flooded road below, as reported by Reuters.
To address the crisis, Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management, Colombian Civil Defense, the National Army, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Choco police department have been swiftly mobilized, Vice President Marquez announced.
This grim event brings back memories of Colombia’s past encounters with deadly mudslides, notably in 2017, when hundreds lost their lives in the remote southern region of Mocoa due to torrential rains triggering a devastating surge of mud through the city.
