Landslides/deslizamiento in Mocoa, Putumayo, COLOMBIA

Situation overview

Several avalanches in the locality of Mocoa, department of Putumayo, in the south of Colombia (a city of approx. 350.000 habitants according to media), caused by the sudden rise in the levels of the rivers Mocoa, Sangoyaco and Mulato, resulted in the death of so far 254 people (http://https://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/otras-ciudades/cifra-de-muertos-por-avalancha-en-mocoa-74038). More than 200 injured have been treated in Mocoa and health centers in other cities.

Media reports that 5 neighbourhoods were totally destroyed with 14 other neighborhoods being affected.

The Government of Colombia, through the UNGRD, is leading the response efforts and also activated the USAR team of Bogota. The President of Colombia traveled immediately to the affected area. The UNGRD established a coordination center in Mocoa. Search and rescue remains a priority. The Government declared a state of emergency in the region.
The UN HC and OCHA Colombia is in touch with the UNGRD, monitoring the situation and offering assistance. The head of the local coordination team (headed by UNHCR) is in touch with the local authorities. OCHA deployed a staff member to assist with information management and coordination with local authorities on the ground. OCHA called a meeting of the HCT in Bogota to coordinate actions.
ACF intends to undertake an initial distribution of NFIs to assist some 550 people in temporary shelters.
On Monday, agencies are planning to conduct a multi-sectoral rapid initial assessment to define immediate priorities.

See the latest official information from the Government of Colombia on the following link:

http://mobile.dudasite.com/site/portalgestiondelriesgo?url=http%3A%2F%2Fportal.gestiondelriesgo.gov.co%2F&utm_referrer=#2744

As well as media reporting on the situation.:

http://noticias.caracoltv.com/colombia/tragedia-en-mocoa-avalancha-deja-al-menos-12-muertos-50-heridos-y-numerosos-desaparecidos

Status of request for assistance

The Government of Colombia, through the UNGRD (National Disaster Risk Management Unit) informed that it does not require additional assistance.

The National Disaster Risk Management System of Colombia as the required response capacity to carry out the established protocols to ensure protection of the affected population.

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management -UNGRD- has made available a Bank account for cash donations. This will help in the recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction phases of the municipality of Mocoa.

La Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres -UNGRD- ha dispuesto de una cuenta bancaria para recibir donaciones en efectivo para la atencion y recuperion del Municipio de Mocoa.