A massive landslide in northwestern Colombia has reportedly claimed the lives of more than 60 people.
Rescue teams are still looking for survivors.
Press TV reports: Local officials said Tuesday that 61 people died and 37 others sustained injuries in the landslide that hit Colombia’s Antioquia Province early on Monday.
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The number of fatalities is expected to rise as an undetermined number are reportedly missing.
The landslide came after heavy rains reportedly caused the Liboriana river in the municipality of Salgar to burst its ranks.
Salgar Mayor Olga Osorio told Colombia’s RCN Radio that the rush of mud and water “tore down everything in its path.”
She said that the small town of Santa Margarita, southwest of the provincial capital, Medellin, was practically “wiped off the map.”
The Colombian air force and police have sent helicopters as well as rescue experts and sniffer dogs to the area.
Some 100 people have also been evacuated from high-risk areas.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has declared a state of emergency and promised to rebuild the houses.
