Colombia: at least 34 killed after mudslide hits busy road

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The death toll from a mudslide in western Colombia has risen to 34, authorities have said.

The mudslide struck a busy municipal road on Friday in a mountainous area connecting the cities of Quibdó and Medellín.

The national disaster risk management unit had initially said in a statement that at least 18 people had been killed. The agency also said at least 35 injured people were taken to hospitals.

The new death toll was reported on Saturday by the Chocó governor's office, where a unified command post was established to coordinate search and rescue operations. In a statement, it said that 17 bodies had been identified and that officials were trying to identify another 17. The prosecutor's office confirmed the death toll.

A rescuer stands next to a vehicle half buried in mud after a landslide on the road between Quibdo and Medellín, Choco department, Colombia. Photograph: Fredy Builes/AFP/Getty Images

Earlier, Colombian vice-president Francia Márquez said in a message posted on the social network X that a search continued "for people who remain trapped under the landslide." She said several children were among the victims, but gave no number.

The risk management unit didn't specify what could have caused the mudslide, but the defence department reported on Friday night that it had been raining in the area, making it difficult for rescue operations.

A video posted on X apparently showed the moment of the mudslide, when the side of a mountain slid over the highway, covering some cars. The Associated Press couldn't verify its authenticity.

President Gustavo Petro tweeted on Friday that his government would provide all support needed in what he described as a "horrible tragedy".

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