Mudslides kill 13 in Colombia

Source: CCTV.com | 05-21-2007 10:00

In Colombia, Heavy rains caused major mudslides over the weekend. Across the country, at least 13 people have been killed, and major highways have been blocked.

In Pereira, located 300 kilometers west of Bogota, a 70-year-old woman died after a mudslide destroyed her home leaving her trapped inside.

In Yarumal Antioquia, 350 kilometers north of the capital, at least three mine workers were killed and six others injured. This, when a wall of earth and rocks collapsed on the miners as they were working.

The massive landslide made it difficult for rescue workers to access the mine.

Mario Arnulfo Maso, Antioquia gov't secretary, said, "The landslide that came down is of great proportions, more than 2,000 cubic meters of earth. It is part of the mountain that came down the hill. Therefore is not easy because where the road ends and the closest the vehicles can get is about 10 or 15 minutes away on foot. And that makes access for rescue vehicles difficult."

In Medellin, a road linking the city to the Caribbean coast has been blocked by another landslide. This, causing major traffic jams on a holiday weekend.

On Sunday, nine people were killed by a mudslide in Tarazan Antioquia. The mud forced furniture and other debris into the streets.

Rescue workers are continuing to work at the site.

Editor:Du Xiaodan