They denounce irregularities in the census of victims of the Dosquebradas avalanche

Families affected by the landslide that devastated part of the La Esneda neighborhood, in the municipality of Dosquebradas in Risaralda, have reported that the conduct of the census of victims has so far had major errors, as the relocation process has slowed down and in addition to this, there are names of victims that do not appear in the records issued by local authorities.

W Radio contacted María Idalí Quintero Uribe, one of the victims of the avalanche and survivor of it, the woman pointed out that the lists provided by the Pereira mayor's office do not present the real data regarding the census, since she explains that she has lived in the sector for several years, which is why she knows its neighbors and knows who were the ones who lost their lives, assured that the people who perished in the place do not appear in the census conducted and there are survivors who are not on the lists of beneficiaries.

Quintero explained that, after knowing the list of beneficiaries, only five victims appear, in turn, he points out that of the 16 deceased, there are names that are not in the final list. It is important to highlight that the force of this avalanche destroyed six homes, while 64 had to be evacuated due to the imminent risk they were on the banks of the Otún River, in an area bordering Pereira.

On the other hand, another of the victims who did not identify themselves, assures W Radio that there are delicate irregularities regarding the people who have come forward to benefit from government entities, since many appeared out of nowhere and were not part of the affected community, taking advantage of the situation and affirming who lived in this place. Likewise, the woman reported that inhabitants who actually resided in the area were not registered, taking into account that some were still being treated in medical centers or accompanying the rest of the victims in burial proceedings.

In the midst of the tragedy and according to established testimonies, some people who needed to be assisted with food, did not manage to receive any help, as the situation forced them to prioritize their funeral and hospital procedures, which is why they arrived late, while others approached the site to obtain these benefits, without even being known in the area, the victims would have asked DIGER to make public the list of beneficiaries, as doubts about who received the aid continue.

Similarly, requests have been made to the authorities for a new demographic characterization to clarify the situation in detail, in order to provide real evidence of both victims and victims.

The early hours of Tuesday, February 8, were running around 6 in the morning, a loud rumble alerted the inhabitants of the La Esneda neighborhood in the municipality of Dosquebradas, a jurisdiction adjacent to Pereira. The detachment of a portion of the mountain on the banks of the Otún River destroyed several houses in this sector and caused a strong damming of the flow of that river artery. The force of this slide was so strong that the avalanche crossed the river from side to side, because it was the only thing that stopped it from the houses. Almost 40 injured and 16 dead were left by this emergency caused by nature, in addition to the families who had to be evacuated due to the risk they were facing in the sector.

Both councillors and the community pointed out that this fact had been avoided, since relocation had been necessary for several years, considering that this is the third time that such a crisis has occurred in this area of the department of Risaralda. For their part, some families have protested, stating that they avoid relocation, taking into account that, on many occasions, they have to take out of their pocket for the entire process, in addition to this, resettlement sites are located on the outskirts of the city, a situation that precariously their quality of life.

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