At least 243 people have been killed and hundreds more are missing after torrential rain caused severe flooding and mudslides in the city of Mocoa, in southwest Colombia, according to a statement released by the army. Heavy overnight rainfall caused several rivers to overflow their banks, sending mud and debris crashing onto houses as people slept and sweeping away vehicles and trees. Many of the victims did not have enough time to climb on top of their roofs, or seek refuge on higher ground. “We’ve declared an emergency in the area so we can help people as best we can “Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos, who flew to Mocoa on Saturday to oversee rescue efforts, said.
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