Colombia’s authorities confirmed the death toll after the landslide: at least 17 people have died on Sunday in the south-western part of the country. Colombian President Iván Duque visited the town on Sunday and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
While the death of 17 people was confirmed, five others got injuries in the town of Rosas in the Cauca region. The landslide has destroyed several houses, say the local authorities and added such natural disasters are common in the Latin American country, especially during the annual rainy season.
According to the emergency services, the landslide happened after days of torrential rains hit the region and authorities are continuing to search the rubble. Jesus Diaz, Rosas mayor, said: “Unfortunately this happens when you least expect it and, because of the rainy season that we have seen, this is what happens.”
Since Sunday, the emergency services are looking for other survivors and clearing the debris which is blocking a major local highway on Cauca region.
Colombian President who arrived Rosas on Sunday told reporters that medical assistance and alternative housing was being arranged for those caught up in the landslide.
“These are difficult times, but we are united as a country to help them,” wrote President Duque in a tweet.
