About the tragedy in the municipality of quetame Due to the overflow of the El Naranjal stream, the Colombian Chamber of Infrastructure (CCI) explains, from a technical point of view, what were the factors that triggered this situation.
Additionally, the union suggests a series of measures that can be implemented in order to avoid circumstances with similar outcomes. In Quetame, 15 people died and there are 13 missing.
(Also read: This is how the worst tragedy of the year due to rain was experienced in the bowels of Quetame: 15 deaths)
It must be taken into account that the roads to the Llano, not only the Bogota to Villavicencio but also the Transversal del Sisga and the Sogamoso-Yopal highway, extend over the Eastern Cordillera, whose geological characteristics are really unfavorable since they are young mountain ranges.
To this should be added, says the CCI, aggravating factors such as extensive deforestation, systematic changes in land use and heavy rains due to climate change.
This set of situations becomes ‘fertile ground’ to slideavalanches and floods, phenomena, all of them, increasingly frequent and of greater intensity.
(Also read: Avalanche in Quetame: Government announces subsidy of $500,000 for victims)
Faced with this reality, the ICC assures that it is imperative better preparation of local and national authorities in charge of risk management, in collaboration with the concessionary companies and entities of the transport sector to face, in the most efficient and timely manner, the threats that loom over the country’s road infrastructure.
Although it is not possible to estimate the amount of landslides that occur near road corridors and threaten the infrastructure works built, it is also true that a very broad and comprehensive work must be done.
This work must be between the national government with its entities, the community and the private sector to mitigate the current risks and change deforestation trendschange of land use, prevent invasions of properties in risk sectors due to natural events and carry out mitigation works, among others.
(Also read: Quetame: this is how the search for victims goes and alternate routes to travel to the Llano)
The union states that it is key to reinforce the role and actions undertaken by the competent regional autonomous corporations, precisely the highest environmental authorities in charge of timely compliance with plans, programs and projects on environmental protection.
Similarly, the ICC points out that it would be worth put the magnifying glass on budget management of said corporations to guarantee their efficient and transparent destination.
“Climate change has become a kind of ‘chronic illness’ which, if not comprehensively addressed, can evolve towards a constant climate emergencythat repeatedly affects our roads, the country’s economy and the lives of those who live and travel through these strategic corridors,” says the CCI.
