At least 34 people killed and dozens injured by a mudslide in Colombia

Dozens of people have also been left injured from the mudslide which engulfed a busy road in a mountainous area connecting major cities.

Officials in Colombia have now said at least 34 people have been killed and dozens injured by a deadly landslide on Friday as more bodies have been found.

The National Disaster Risk Management Unit said in a statement the avalanche covered a highway on a busy municipal road in a mountainous area connecting the cities of Quibo and Medellin, in western Colombia.

Chocó Governor’s Office said that 17 bodies had been identified and that efforts are underway to identify the rest of the victims.

At least 35 injured people were taken to different hospitals, it said.

Authorities announced they would start a search operation for missing people potentially still buried under the debris.

The risk management unit didn't specify what could have caused the avalanche, but the Defence Department reported it has been raining in the area, making it difficult for rescue operations.

Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez said in a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that a search continued “for people who remain trapped under the landslide.” She said several children were among the victims, but gave no number.

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

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