Severe floods claim one life, destroy 35 homes in Los Olivares, Colombia

ByRishav Kothari

At least one person died and dozens of homes were destroyed or damaged after heavy rains triggered severe floods in Itagüí municipality, Antioquia Department, during the early hours of Monday, May 5, 2025.

Local authorities clearing debris in Los Olivares village, Colombia on Monday, May 5, 2025 after intense flooding in the region

Local authorities clearing debris in Los Olivares village, Colombia on Monday, May 5, 2025, after intense flooding in the region. Image credit: Alcadia de Itagui

Heavy rains in the Aburrá Valley triggered severe flooding in the village of Los Olivares after a stream overflowed during the early hours of Monday, May 5.

According to local residents, floodwaters reached waist height in some areas. Sewer systems collapsed, and landslides were reported in multiple parts of the municipality.

Areas such as the Santa María 2 neighborhood and vereda Olivares saw floodwaters sweep away multiple vehicles and carry debris across roads.

A 38-year-old man died while attempting to evacuate his family from the area. At least 35 homes in the village were either completely destroyed or severely damaged by the flooding, which also uprooted trees and triggered debris flows across the region.

Rescue teams transported some of the injured to a nearby clinic, where they continue to receive treatment.

The village of Los Olivares is part of Itagüí municipality, located south of the Aburrá Valley in the Antioquia Department.

Authorities continue to work on clearing the debris from the affected areas, and the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.

Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.

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