Heavy rainfall, severe flooding and landslides hit Nariño, Colombia

Heavy rainfalls that have been battering western Colombia since January 25, 2016, have caused severe floods and landslides in the Nariño region, on the border with Ecuador, Colombia Civil Defense reported. At least 8 provinces in the area reported flooding.

72-hr rainfall accumulation as observed by the GPM Core Observatory. Image credit: Google/NASA/JAXA GPM

The municipality of Cumbal suffered a landslide on January 26, which left at least 7 people dead and another 5 missing. Two houses in the area were completely buried by the debris. The emergency care agencies reported difficulties in reaching the scene. 

The Mira river in the Tumaco municipality has overflown its banks which caused heavy flooding in the nearby area. 450 families in the ImbilÍ village have been strongly affected when their homes, crops and livestock suffered extensive damage.

Roberto Payán municipality also reported flooding that damaged homes and crops. 60 families have been affected by the severe weather conditions. The full damage extent is yet to be assessed, Floodlist reports.

Featured image: 72-hr rainfall accumulation as observed by the GPM Core Observatory. Image credit: Google/NASA/JAXA GPM