Ten dead, 20 missing as landslide, torrential rains hit Colombia

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - At least 10 people were killed after heavy rains in the municipality of Quetame, in the center of Colombia, caused the overflow of several streams on Monday, according to an official.

Eleven people were also injured and 20 others are missing, said Jorge Diaz, the commander of the Civil Defense in the Meta department on Tuesday.

The landslide engulfed more than 20 houses, damaged a bridge, a toll house, cars, lights posts and roads.

At least three people from the same family died in the tragedy. Among the deceased there are three minors, including a 6-year-old boy and another 10-year-old. Many more are looking for their loved ones at the scene, located about 2 hours from the capital of Bogota.

Nicolas Garcia, the governor of Cundinamarca, said first responders continue searching for more missing people, including several children.

The authorities announced that they are calling search and relief agencies throughout the region and that the road will remain closed for the next few days. As a consequence of these road closures, Bogota is currently registering massive traffic jams to the south of the city.

Camilo Parrado, mayor of Quetame, said to local media that "on the part of the government there is not a forceful presence to try to solve the problems that arise."

Colombian President Gustavo Petro drew the attention of the mayors in risk areas and gave his condolences to the families who suffered the tragedy.

"The death that reaches Quetame, Cundinamarca, demonstrates the urgent need to order the territory around water,” he said on Twitter. “Mayors must prioritize this principle. My condolences to the victims' families."

Colombia is among the 11 countries with the most "serious" climate risks, as confirmed by the United States government.