Fatal landslide in Colombia

Mud and water crash into Salgar in Colombia, killing and injuring dozens after heavy rain. The landslide has devastated the town and at the time of writing it has claimed dozens and left people in need of humanitarian assistance.

Mud and water crash into Salgar in Colombia, killing and injuring dozens after heavy rain. The landslide has devastated the town and at the time of writing it has claimed dozens and left people in need of humanitarian assistance. The landslide hit the area during the night while the most residents were sleeping. Dozens were injured as they were buried in mud and debris. Salgar consists of 4 towns. Due to the damage of a road and a bridge the town was cut off from the rest of the area, which means that the rescue workers faced serious problem to access the zone. Furthermore, the area was left without drinking water or gas.

Salgar mayor Olga Osorio says "The rush of mud and water tore down everything in its path. The small town of Santa Margarita was practically wiped off the map."

"The earth slid into the course of the La Liboriana ravine, then the dammed water caused an avalanche which destroyed everything in its path." said Jose Angel Mendoza, the regional police chief.

President Juan Manuel Santos said "We're on alert because there are fears there could be another landslide. It almost gave me a heartache. We saw big waves and people and pigs going down in the water. Those affected will receive all our support."

Colombia's tropical climate combined with heavy rain for several days make the area prone to landslides.