A devastating landslide in the city of Bello, Colombia, has claimed the lives of at least 11 people, with 15 others still missing. The disaster occurred on Tuesday, June 24, after heavy rains triggered a wave of mud that surged through the crowded community in the hills above Medellin, burying about a dozen homes and sweeping away cars.
According to Medellin Mayor Federico Gutierrez, “We continue to support emergency and rescue work in Bello, where 11 people have sadly been reported killed, at least 15 are missing, and more than 1,500 people are in shelters.”
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with workers utilizing dogs, drones, and other means to search for the missing. Shelters have been set up in local schools and community centers to house those displaced by the disaster. The governor of Antioquia province, Andres Julian Rendon, warned that the risk remains severe, advising residents to move to shelters.
The landslide’s impact highlights the vulnerability of makeshift homes built into hillsides, which can become unstable during periods of sustained rainfall. Many of Colombia’s poorer residents live in these danger zones, having fled conflict in rural areas for the relative safety of a city.
The Medellin town hall has issued evacuation orders for Villatina, stating that 23 buildings would be demolished due to the risk of possible collapse, and around 60 homes were also ordered evacuated in Medellin, which suffered damage during recent storms.
Governor Rendon confirmed the casualties, stating that search and rescue operations are ongoing. The tragedy has prompted authorities to activate emergency response protocols, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate missing individuals and provide aid to those affected.