Colombia – Floods in Cali Leave 6 Dead

by in Americas, News

At least 6 people have died after floods in the city of Cali, Valle del Cauca department in Colombia on Thursday, 01 December 2016.

National Unit for the Management of Disaster Risk (Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres – UNGRD) reported yesterday that the flooding occurred in the Siloé district of the city. Three people were injured and at least 2 houses destroyed and others damaged. There are fears that there may be more people trapped under collapsed houses. Local fire service teams are carrying out search and rescue operations.

The Cali River has broken its banks in several areas, according to local reports. Fallen trees and landslides have also been reported in several areas of the city, according to Rodrigo Zamorano Sanclemente, Secretary for Risk Management in Cali.

UNGRD says that the situation still developing and full damage assessments are still to be carried out.

Teams from the local civil defence authority, fire service and Red Cross are working in affected areas to help victims and their families.

Landslide Warnings

IDEAM (Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales) has issued a red alert Ihighest level) for landslides in the Cali area as a result of the heavy rain . The alert is expected to remain in place until 06 December, 2016.

Flooding in neighbouring Choco department in October this year left at least 4 people dead and thousands of families affected.

Social Media

https://twitter.com/manchaamarilla/status/804411225593577472

Flood Summary

Last updated: December 11, 2016
Event
Valle Del Cauca Department, Colombia, December 2016
Date
December 1 to December 3, 2016
Type
River flood
Cause
Unknown

Locations

Cali

Damages

Fatalities
6 people
Cali - December 1 to December 2, 2016
Buildings destroyed
2 buildings
Cali - December 1 to December 2, 2016

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