The Mocoa Mudslide Catastrophe in Putumayo, Colombia

Tragedy Strikes Mocoa, Putumayo, Colombia : The Faces of pain emerge from the Mud

In a poignant chronicle of a community grappling with the aftermath of an unfathomable disaster, the portraits captured in this project unveil the resilient faces of those who survived the catastrophic events that unfolded in Mocoa, Putumayo, Colombia on the fateful night of April 1, 2017.

The devastation, triggered by an avalanche unleashed by the Mocoa, Mulato, and Sancoyaco rivers, along with the surging Taruca Creek, resulted in the discovery of over 330 bodies, with an incalculable number of lives lost as the force of the river engulfed entire families. Beyond mere casualties, these lives were abruptly cut short, leaving an indelible void in the fabric of the community.

The sheer force of the river defied calculation, claiming lives indiscriminately and leaving more than 12,000 individuals injured. Approximately 1200 families found themselves directly impacted, facing the harsh reality of loss and destruction.

The Health Secretariat's declaration of a state of emergency underscores the overwhelmed health service network, strained to its limits by an influx of patients and severely constrained operational capacity.

As Mocoa urgently pleads for assistance, the portraits tell a silent narrative, capturing the gaze of those navigating a landscape forever altered. Requests for medical and surgical materials, blankets, mattresses, tents for patient care, clothing, and sustenance echo through the images, embodying the desperate need to alleviate the suffering of families left in the wake of this natural catastrophe.

The road to recovery, marked by challenges in improving access to the ravaged area, mirrors the struggles reflected in the eyes of the survivors. Power outages and a scarcity of potable water compound the difficulties a community grapples with in the aftermath. Despite operational airports in Puerto Asís and Villa Garzón, the town's isolated nature adds complexity to the relief efforts, further emphasizing the uphill battle for restoration.

New York Times correspondent John Otis describes the scene as profound destruction—a fitting depiction for the relentless onslaught of mud, water, rocks, and boulders that caught Mocoa's residents off guard in the dead of night. President Santos attributes the heavy rains to climate change, exacerbated by deforestation in the region, unfolding a calamity that reshaped the town's landscape and people's lives forever.

With a population of 60,000 and limited infrastructure, Mocoa now confronts the daunting aftermath. Houses, cars, and bridges have been washed away, leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins. The emergency response, although underway, faces logistical challenges due to damaged roads and disrupted power and water supplies.

As Mocoa mourns its losses and grapples with the enormity of the task ahead, the portraits in this project serve as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit that emerges from the ashes of tragedy. In each gaze, in every expression, lies a story of survival—a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of an unforeseen calamity. The international community, watching with deep concern, stands ready to offer support on this arduous journey towards healing and recovery.

Text: Juan David Tena