Colombia Mudslide Hits Busy Road, Killing 34
In northwest Colombia, heavy rains triggered a mudslide on a busy highway, causing at least 34 fatalities and numerous injuries. Authorities are working urgently to rescue survivors. LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images

The aftermath of a deadly Colombia mudslide continues to unfold, with the death toll climbing to 34, according to authorities on Saturday, AP reports.

The mudslide occurred along a busy municipal road on Friday, connecting the cities of Quibdo and Medellin in a mountainous region.

Initially reported by the National Disaster Risk Management Unit, at least 18 people were declared dead, with an additional 35 individuals injured and transported to hospitals.

The Choco Governor's Office later updated the death toll to 34, confirming 17 identified bodies while working to establish the identities of another 17 victims.

The Prosecutor's Office also verified the updated death toll.

Search and Rescue Operations Amidst Tragedy

Vice President Francia Marquez conveyed on social media that the search continued for people trapped under the mudslide, per Sky News.

The Colombia vice president highlighted the combined efforts of relief agencies, local authorities, police, and the army in aiding search and rescue operations in Choco province.

While she mentioned that several children were among the victims, the exact number was not specified.

The cause of the Colombia mudslide was not explicitly mentioned by the risk management unit, but the defense department reported heavy rainfall in the area, hindering rescue operations.

President Gustavo Petro expressed solidarity on social media, promising comprehensive government support in the face of what he described as a "horrible tragedy."

Numerous road closures posed challenges for rescue crews and firefighters attempting to reach the most severely affected areas, according to Al Jazeera.

The President affirmed, "Since last night, we have been working hand-in-hand with emergency and relief organizations on the Quibdo-Medellin road," emphasizing deploying all available capabilities to assist those affected.

About 50 soldiers joined the efforts, navigating challenging swampy terrain, as depicted in images released by the army.

Community Devastation and Immediate Response

The m struck near the community of Carmen de Atrato, where approximately 60 people sought shelter near a junction, BBC noted.

A survivor recounted that the house, filled with women and young children seeking refuge from the heavy rain, was suddenly engulfed by the mudslide.

The anonymous survivor shared the initial offering of sausage and fried plantain to those seeking shelter before the tragedy unfolded.

The incident has sent shockwaves throughout Colombia, prompting widespread media coverage and an outpouring of condolences on social media.

The heavily forested region of Choco province, bordering the Pacific Ocean, experienced relentless rainfall over Friday and Saturday, leading to this devastating event.

Although Colombia is currently grappling with drought conditions, the country's Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies had previously warned of the risks associated with heavy rains in areas bordering the Pacific and the Amazon rainforest.

This tragic incident bears unfortunate similarities to a mudslide in the same part of Colombia in December 2022, which claimed the lives of at least 27 people, trapping individuals in a bus and other vehicles.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Colombia: At least 34 dead after mudslide covers highway - From Sky News