Bogota, January 13, 2024, A devastating mudslide occurred in western Colombia on Friday, claiming the lives of at least 18 people and causing injuries to dozens, according to officials. The Colombian National Disaster Risk Management Unit issued a statement revealing that the landslide covered a busy municipal road on a mountainous route connecting the cities of Quibdó and Medellin in the western part of the country. Approximately 35 injured individuals were transported to various hospitals, as announced by the unit.
In response to the tragic event, authorities have initiated a search operation to locate any individuals who may still be buried beneath the debris, the statement added. While the risk management unit did not specify the exact cause of the mudslide, the Defense Department reported that ongoing rainfall in the area has hampered rescue operations, making the situation challenging for responders.
