154 dead after rivers overflow in Colombia
April 1 2017
An avalanche of water from three overflowing rivers swept through a small city in Colombia while people slept, destroying homes and killing at least 154 residents, authorities have said.
The incident triggered by intense rains happened at around midnight in Mocoa, a provincial capital of about 40,000 tucked between mountains near Colombia's southern border with Ecuador.
Muddy water and debris quickly surged through the city's streets, toppling homes, ripping trees from their roots, lifting cars and trucks and carrying them downstream.
Many of the residents did not have enough time to climb on top of their roofs or seek refuge on higher ground.
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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/154-dead-after-rivers-overflow-in-colombia-35585150.html
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Colombia: 193 dead after rivers overflow, toppling homes
Christine Armario, Associated Press Updated 9:18 pm, Saturday, April 1, 2017
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — An avalanche of water from three overflowing rivers tore through a small city in Colombia while people slept, destroying homes, sweeping away cars and killing at least 193 unsuspecting residents.
The incident triggered by a sudden, heavy rainstorm happened around midnight in Mocoa, a provincial capital of about 40,000 tucked between mountains near Colombia's southern border with Ecuador.
Muddy water quickly surged through the city's streets, toppling homes, ripping trees from their roots and carrying a torrent of rocks and debris downstream. Many residents did not have enough time to flee.
According to the Red Cross, 202 people were injured and 220 believed missing. President Juan Manuel Santos declared a state of emergency and said the death toll will likely rise but warned against speculating about how many are dead. Late Saturday, he said the toll had reached 193.
More:
http://www.chron.com/news/world/article/24-dead-after-river-overflows-destroying-homes-11043213.php