One dead, twelve missing after mudslide in northwestern Colombia.

One dead, twelve missing after mudslide in northwestern Colombia.

2011-05-19 01:07:12 GMT+7 (ICT)

SANTANDER, COLOMBIA (BNO NEWS) -- Colombian authorities on Wednesday confirmed that one child died and 12 more people went missing after a mudslide in northwestern Colombia.

According to El Tiempo newspaper, the mudslide began at about 3:30 a.m. local time in San Vicente de Chucuri municipality in Santander Department. The situation was labeled as critical as infrastructure was severely affected in the area.

So far, authorities have confirmed only one fatal victim, a 5-year-old boy, and many injured. In addition, 16 houses were destroyed and about 1,000 residents were evacuated.

Edgar Pedraza, Santander's Infrastructure Secretary, added that the heavy rains overflowed a stream, causing the closure of two bridges and the collapse of another. Rain continues to fall in the region.

The Colombians Army, the Red Cross and local and state police are cooperating in the relief efforts. A search operation is underway in order to locate the missing people. Six provinces in Santander reported severe transit difficulties due to the extreme weather.

Emilce Suarez, the mayor of Santander, declared a state of emergency in the department. Heavy rains have also affected Santander's Simacota, Onzaga and Santa Helena del Opon municipalities.

In mid-April, at least 16 people died due to a mudslide on a road in central Colombia. A bus was caught by the avalanche while traveling to the city of Manizales. The bus and its 18 passengers and two drivers were swept into a ravine.

This year, heavy rainfall has affected Colombia. So far, 45 people have been killed and over 17,000 residents have been affected. It is estimated that billions of dollars will be needed to repair damages.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-05-19