A powerful landslide triggered by relentless rainfall swept through hillside communities near Medellín, Colombia this week, killing at least 22 people and leaving eight more missing. The disaster struck early Tuesday morning in the municipality of Bello in the Antioquia region, where steep slopes and poor drainage proved catastrophic.

Authorities have been racing against time to locate survivors, digging through thick mud and debris in hopes of finding those still trapped. Rescue teams, supported by sniffer dogs, drones, and heavy machinery, have been working around the clock in unstable conditions.

“The ground is extremely dangerous, and new landslides remain a constant threat,” said Antioquia Governor Andrés Julián Rendón. Emergency crews have had to pause operations several times due to shifting earth and continued rain.

The landslide tore through dozens of homes, burying families in their sleep. Survivors described waking to the sound of crashing debris and shouts in the darkness. “We didn’t even have time to grab anything—we just ran,” one resident told local media.

Officials initially reported 11 fatalities, but that number climbed steadily over several days as bodies were recovered. By Friday, the toll had reached 22, with little hope of finding more survivors. Rescue operations continue, but attention is also shifting to supporting the hundreds displaced.

Over 1,300 people have been relocated to emergency shelters in schools, churches, and other public buildings. Many have lost everything. Government agencies and NGOs are providing food, clothing, and psychological support to help them cope with the trauma.

The region’s rugged terrain and informal housing construction have long made it vulnerable to natural disasters. This landslide is the latest in a series of tragedies during Colombia’s rainy season, which runs from April through November and brings frequent flooding and earth movements.

In Bello and nearby towns, more than 60 homes have been deemed unsafe. Authorities are now installing early-warning systems and conducting geological assessments to prevent further disasters. “We are committed to making these communities safer,” said Bello Mayor Lorena González Ospina.

The Colombian Defense Ministry has also deployed additional personnel to assist with search and evacuation efforts. Meanwhile, emergency responders are urging residents in at-risk areas to evacuate and avoid rivers and steep slopes.

This tragedy is reminiscent of past disasters in Colombia, such as the 2017 Mocoa landslide that killed over 300 people. Experts say urban expansion into high-risk zones, combined with inadequate infrastructure, continues to put lives at risk.

Climate change is also playing a role, with increased rainfall intensity stressing already fragile environments. Environmentalists are calling for stronger land use regulations, reforestation, and infrastructure investments to better prepare for future events.

As rescue operations near their end and the full extent of the damage becomes clear, Colombia is left grappling with another reminder of the urgent need for resilience in the face of nature’s power.