Severe Landslide in Bello: A Tragic Disaster
In the heart of the Aburrá Valley , a devastating landslide struck the municipality of Bello , located in the northern region of Antioquia . The catastrophe resulted from heavy rainfall that triggered the overflow of the La Negra ravine , wreaking havoc on the community.
Initial reports from local authorities indicate that the disaster has tragically claimed the lives of 14 individuals and left at least 12 others missing . Search and rescue operations are currently underway, with hopes of locating survivors amidst the wreckage.
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Carlos Ríos, the director of the Administrative Department of Disaster Risk Management of Antioquia ( Dagran ), criticized the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) for its delayed response to the emergency. In an interview with *Blu Radio*, Ríos stated, “The UNGRD communicated today; it is no longer even timely, because one reaches emergencies from the zero to attend. After two days, they announce that tomorrow they will accompany us, which I do not see as pertinent.”
According to Ríos, authorities have georeferenced seven perimeters in the affected area. This critical task allows emergency response teams to effectively locate the missing persons. Notably, Ríos emphasized that risk reports from the municipality of Bello had not been received prior to the disaster, complicating preparedness efforts.
Furthermore, Ríos highlighted that monitoring systems from SIATA and the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley indicated significant rainfall that exceeded soil saturation limits, exacerbating the risk for landslides.
With more rain expected, Ríos urged constant vigilance: “In this transition period , it is important to highlight that it will not stop raining. All capacities are already hired. Information is not static; it is changing based on the operational system at the point.”
Ríos also stated that the Government of Antioquia has significantly increased resources for emergency assistance , responding to over 380 emergencies throughout the region. However, he cautioned that “the resources of the Government are not infinite,” suggesting that this increased focus on emergency response could impact other initiatives.
As for those affected by the slide, Ríos reassured that the evacuation of families was permanent. Collaborative efforts with the municipality aim to provide lease subsidies and develop housing alternatives. “The idea is to provide a lease subsidy and, together with *Viva* and the municipality, deliver a final result for these families to have their own home,” he explained.
Currently, the emergency status in the Highland Vereda of Bello remains active while authorities bolster efforts in search of the missing individuals. Additionally, warnings of potential new landslides due to continued rain are being disseminated.
In a published statement, the UNGRD announced they have deployed specialized personnel to assist with the emergency in Bello, sending a team of geologists, psychosocial professionals, and experts in temporary accommodations, damage assessment, and rescue operations. They affirmed that immediate response responsibilities lie with local governments, based on established disaster management laws.
Cooperation continues as the authorities collaborate with local agencies to ensure effective emergency response efforts. The aftermath of this incident serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and timely response in mitigating the impacts of such natural disasters.