The aftermath of Colombia's deadly floods
Survivors of a deadly flood that washed through the city of Mocoa in Colombia are getting ready to bury their loved ones as authorities begin to release the remains recovered from a disaster that has shaken the country.
People of Mocoa are still in shock
Family and friends mourn next to a grave at the cemetery of Mocoa. In the southwestern Colombian town a sudden surge of mud and water swept away homes, bridges, vehicles and trees, leaving piles of wrecked timber buried in thick mud, killing over 270 people.
Colombia is mourning
President Juan Manuel Santos visits the disaster area and comforts residents of Mocoa. He promised earlier on Twitter to "guarantee assistance to the victims of this tragedy, which has Colombians in mourning. Our prayers are with the victims and those affected." The president flew into the disaster zone for three days to oversee the relief effort.
Whole neighborhoods have disappeared
People are just starting to realize what has hit them. The death toll was expected to rise, since many more people are missing and bodies are still being found. At the same time, hopes of finding survivors are fading.
Hopes of finding survivors are slim
The Colombian Red Cross says it has received 374 requests for help from families unable to locate loved ones. According to President Manuel Santos, 90 percent of the dead had now been identified. He said the search would continue.
New coffins for burials
Santos and other officials pledged both emergency relief and that Mocoa would be rebuilt, including a new water system to replace the one damaged in the flood and new homes for those in the 17 neighborhoods hit hardest by the surging water. He said he had spoken by phone with U.S. President Donald Trump, who promised assistance, as have other nations including China and Venezuela.
Colombia is experienced in dealing with catastrophes
Much of Mocoa is still strewn with rocks, tree limbs, and brown muck. Search and rescue teams continue to probe debris piles when someone hears a possible sound of movement.