In Colombia’s Pacific Province of Chocó, a mudslide has led to at least 34 deaths with several others injured. The calamity occurred on a bustling highway linking the cities of Quibdó and Medellín on Friday, January 13, 2024, resulting in the destruction of vehicles and widespread damage.
Rescue squads, inclusive of canine units, have been dispatched from different regions of Colombia to aid in the search and rescue operations. They are relentlessly working to find survivors and recuperate bodies from the wreckage and mud. Continuous rainfall in the area has complicated the operations, presenting additional obstacles to the rescuers.
Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez confirmed the death toll. He reported that the victims included several children. The initial count from the National Disaster Risk Management Unit was 18 fatalities, but the figure rose to 34 as more bodies were recovered. The Defense Department stated that unceasing rains in the area were exacerbating the situation, making the rescue efforts more challenging.
While the exact cause of the mudslide is still under investigation, the region has been subjected to heavy rainfall, likely contributing to the instability of the mountainside leading to the landslide. Images and videos making rounds on social media depict the moment the mudslide occurred, showing the mountainside collapsing onto the highway, burying several vehicles.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has promised comprehensive government backing in response to the catastrophe. He referred to the incident as a “horrible tragedy” and vowed to provide the necessary aid.
Local officials, including Chocó Governor Nubia Cordoba Curi, have also voiced their profound grief over the incident. Governor Curi referred to the weekend as “very sad for Choco” and conveyed the community’s collective sorrow for the victims.
This mudslide is among the most fatal natural disasters to hit Colombia in recent history. It emphasizes the susceptibility of mountainous regions to landslides, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The tragedy has drawn attention to the need for enhanced disaster readiness and response systems in similar high-risk areas.
As the rescue and recovery activities persist, the focus remains on providing support to the injured and the victims’ families. The Colombian government and military, along with local relief agencies, are actively participating in these operations. The ongoing rain and challenging terrain are posing significant challenges, but efforts are in place to ensure a thorough search and recovery process.
The National Disaster Risk Management Unit, in collaboration with the governor’s office of Chocó, is spearheading the search and rescue operations. These efforts are vital for identifying victims and providing necessary medical and psychological support to survivors and the families of those who died. Relief agencies, local authorities, police, and the army have all been deployed to support the operations in the impacted area.
This mudslide follows another fatal landslide in the same region of Colombia within a month, pointing to a pattern of environmental vulnerability. Authorities have warned of further risks of heavy rain in other parts of the country and are urging caution.
As Colombia confronts the aftermath of this disaster, the focus is both on immediate rescue efforts and long-term strategies to prevent similar incidents. The international community has also expressed solidarity with Colombia during this challenging period.