The mudslides were caused by severe rainfall in Putumayo province, south-west Colombia, on Friday, March 31.
The heavy rains of Friday caused rise of the Mocoa River and three tributaries, a representative of the National Disaster Risk Management Unit told AFP news agency. The rivers overflew and unleashed muddy waves, which flooded the city of Mocoa, capital of Putumayo province. Electrical power and water went out in the city, and the hospital system was shut down.
According to CNN, 234 people have lost their lives, while rescue teams are trying their best for the 220 more that are missing. Twenty five houses have been destroyed and bridges have also been swept away.
Rescue efforts are being hindered by the bad weather and damaged infrastructure. "There are mobility issues on almost 80% of the roads, and from where the road ends, it is three hours to where the landslide took place," a police officer told BBC.
Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos has declared a state of emergency in the region, stating that 130 mm of rain fell in the area during Friday night, while the monthly average is around 400 mm. According to the state meteorological agency, March was Colombia's rainiest month since 2011.
Watch under Media below, a video by the Associated Press, capturing the damage caused in the region.
Image Gallery credits: CNN
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