[3][4] Colombia's rugged terrain and seismic activity make the country susceptible to natural disasters.

[4] Victims were found as far as 100 kilometres (62 mi) from the disaster site as the landslide carried bodies down river.

President Juan Manuel Santos flew to the region to oversee rescue efforts personally.

[3] He promised government assistance of around $6,500 per person to help rebuild Salgar, and declared it a public calamity.

[2][3] People left homeless by the disaster were provided with food and blankets, as survivors were ordered not to return to the town immediately in case of additional landslides.