254 people killed, hundreds missing as landslides sweep through Colombia

Tragedy struck in the city of Mocoa, southwest Colombia when mudslides triggered by an overnight rainfall swept through the vicinity, killing no less than 254 people with hundreds more said to be missing.

According to reports, the overnight rainfall caused several rivers to overflow their banks, sending mud and debris crashing onto houses as people slept, sweeping away vehicles and trees.

Many of the victims did not have enough time to climb on top of their roofs, or seek refuge on higher ground.

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“We’ve declared an emergency in the area so we can help people as best we can,” Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos, who flew to Mocoa on Saturday to oversee rescue efforts, said.

He added that 30 percent of monthly rain fell in just one night.
“All of our hearts are with the victims of this tragedy.”

According to Red Cross estimates, about 220 people were still missing, while another 400 were injured.

 

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