Torrential rains and hailstorms lash parts of Colombia, widespread flooding and damaging landslides reported
Severe weather continues to lash parts of Colombia, causing widespread flooding and landslides. On March 10, 2020, streets were left in whiteout conditions after a severe hailstorm hit the Bogota's north and center. On March 15, a mudslide killed one person and injured two others in Santander Department. Flooding was also reported in Bucaramanga city on March 16, affecting around 100 families.
The downpour in the capital city of Bogota on March 10 was accompanied by an unusually intense hailstorm, causing traffic congestion as ice engulfed roads and streets.
Authorities said they attended to numerous emergencies, particularly for those affected by the heavy traffic. Hailstones covered almost everything in white, leaving a winter-like scenery.
— Angela Latorre (@LATORREANG) March 10, 2020
Aguacero y granizo… Norte de Bogotá pic.twitter.com/f43R5UT72e
— klauB (@klalu2907) March 10, 2020
Usuarios en redes sociales reportan fuerte granizada en el norte de Bogotá. Envíenos sus fotos y videos a través de @NCBogota y @NoticiasCaracol – https://t.co/7TBT12hNGn pic.twitter.com/3yw6D5R6AY
— Noticias Caracol (@NCBogota) March 10, 2020
@RedMasNoticias @CaracolRadio @NoticiasCaracol @BogotaTransito Nuevamente fuerte #granizada en el centro de #Bogotá hacia las 5:00 pm. pic.twitter.com/pKRPL8cuJ6
— Juan Hernández (@jushernandezor) March 10, 2020
The unstable weather went on until heavy rains began pummeling the city of Bucaramanga late March 14, Santander department, north-central Colombia.
This led to flooding and landslides on March 15, in which authorities reported one fatality and two injuries. The victim reportedly died after he was swept away by floodwaters.
Several roads and buildings were damaged, including at least one school. One of the landslides blocked a road between Bucaramanga and Rionegro.
Disaster authorities added that the heavy downpour caused the Rio de Oro to overflow, spreading water to parts of the San Juan de Giron municipality. Moderate rain is forecast to continue over the city on Tuesday, March 17.
Image credit: DGRD Santander
#AEstaHora | Con el objetivo de atender la avenida torrencial que se presentó la noche de ayer en el sector de Vijagual, la @DGRDSantander y Oficina de Gestión del Riesgo de Bucaramanga inspeccionan la zona y atienden la emergencia. pic.twitter.com/iYLG4CiwIl
— Gobernación de Santander (@GobdeSantander) March 15, 2020
#Bucaramanga Corregimiento 1 #AvenidaTorrencial Sector Vijagual @COL_EJERCITO @BomberosBGA pic.twitter.com/B7y9OcCGRp
— Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres | Santander (@DGRDSantander) March 15, 2020
#ATENCIÒN En la horas de la noche de ayer sábado se produjo una #AvenidaTorrencial en el norte del Mpio de Bucaramanga sobre el sector de Vijagual , dos personas heridas y una fallecida . @AlcaldiaBGA @JCardenasRey @BomberosBGA @Drodriguez8910 @MAguilarHurtado pic.twitter.com/0Rn6CvaqLZ
— Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres | Santander (@DGRDSantander) March 15, 2020
Desde la Alcaldía estamos atendiendo la emergencia de la últimas horas, en el sector Vijagual, al norte de #Bucaramanga, donde el lodo afectó algunas viviendas y las familias tuvieron que ser trasladas al colegio de la zona.#GobernarEsHacer pic.twitter.com/WGMcEHFHsm
— Alcaldía de Bucaramanga (@AlcaldiaBGA) March 15, 2020
Featured image credit: DGRD Santander
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