Colombia – 8 Dead After Flash Floods and Landslides in Santander and Caldas

by in Americas, News

At least 8 people have died in floods and landslides in the departments of Santander and Caldas in Colombia after heavy rain over the last few days.

Flash flood damages in Piedecuesta, Colombia, 26 February 2020. Photo; Government of Piedecuesta

Santander Department

Colombia’s National Unit for Management of Disaster Risk (UNGRD) reports that at least 3 people died and 6 are still missing after flooding in Piedecuesta Municipality in Santander Department.

UNGRD said the heavy rain caused several small rivers and creeks to break their banks in the affected areas. Flooding caused damage to roads and houses in the area, leaving 150 people displaced. At least 7 people were injured, including 3 who were rescued.

The national government is providing support for the emergency response in Piedecuesta. Teams from police, civil defence and fire service are carrying out search operations. Several roads have been closed in the affected area.

Heavy rain and overflowing creeks caused raging flash floods in Floridablanca municipality in the department of Santander on 28 January 2020.

Flash flood damages in Piedecuesta, Colombia, 26 February 2020. Photo; Government of Piedecuesta

Caldas Department

Meanwhile in Caldas Department, a landslide struck in the Los Mangos neighbourhood of Chinchina municipality on 26 February, destroying 2 houses and leaving at least 5 people dead. Three other houses were severely damaged.

Three people died in a landslide in Neira, Caldas Department in April 2019.

At least 16 people died after landslides near the city of Manizales, Department of Caldas in April 2017.

Landslide in Chinchina, Colombia February 2020. Photo: UNGRD

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