Landslides or landslides are frequent on Colombian highways. They are not only produced by the rains. There are some due to geological faults, rock falls on high mountain roads with very steep slopes.
Traveling on Colombian roads is a latent risk that the eternal warnings of “Beware, falling stones” or “Geological fault area under study” attest to. Slope mitigation works are not necessary to contain landslides, which are a constant threat to travelers.
In the midst of this panorama, the question that remains is: What to do in case of a landslide? The first thing, before starting a trip, is to find out about the state of the route and the critical sites.
In the following link of the page of the National Police there is valuable information in this regard. In the Twitter accounts @TránsitoPolicía, @Invías or @numeral767. The problem is that sometimes road closures, landslides or accidents are not reported in real time.
If you are not very fond of technology and social networks, pragmatism and common sense are the best tools. Analyze after seeing the panorama, if it is worth taking the risk on a road or it is better to change destination, in case the trip is for rest or vacation.
When you are already in the traffic jam, there is no Waze or social networks that are worth it. The best indicator of the magnitude of the blockage in ‘real time’ is the presence of street vendors, the greater the number of them and the products on offer (red wine, water, soft drinks, etc.), the greater the severity and the delay in resolving the problem. situation.
Under these conditions, the solution for your situation and that of your companions is behind the collapse and not ahead, so go back where you came from. Also keep in mind that going there is no problem because you have time, but a collapse on the way back is worse because you surely have obligations and commitments to fulfill.
If you are already in line and there is no going back, turn off the engine. In any case, park in such a way that you can maneuver your car and back up. If the landslide has just occurred, do not get out or allow your companions to leave the car and walk towards the landslide to see what happens, as there is a possibility that the mountain will continue to move. Best case scenario, if you have a way to do it, backtrack until you find yourself in a safe place.
Landslides or landslides are not caused only by rain. There are other causes that can cause them, such as the type of rocks and soils, geological faults or topography (mountainous places with very steep slopes). And also, in roads under construction by earthmoving with heavy machinery in the upper parts of the mountains.
Finally, if the trip cannot be postponed and you must do it on a road with critical sites and a long history of landslides, take provisions, food, canned goods, coffee, blankets, toilet paper, diapers. All this becomes even more important if you are traveling with children. It is also important to carry charged phones, batteries and chargers, as well as enough fuel in case you have to take a longer alternate route and there are few service stations.
