BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The death toll from a mudslide in western Colombia rose to 34 on Saturday, authorities said.
The mudslide hit a busy city road on Friday in a mountainous area connecting the cities of Quibdo and Medellin.
The National Disaster Risk Management Unit initially said in a statement that at least 18 people were killed. The agency also said at least 35 injured people were taken to hospitals.
The new death toll was reported by the Chocó governor's office, where a unified command post was set up to coordinate search and rescue operations. A statement said 17 bodies had been identified and officials were trying to identify another 17. The public prosecutor's office confirmed the death toll.
Previously, Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez said in a message published on the social network X that the search was continuing “for people still trapped under the landslide.” She said there were several children among the victims, but did not give a number.
The risk management unit did not say what may have caused the mudslide, but the Defense Ministry reported on Friday evening that there had been rain in the area, making rescue operations difficult.
An on The Associated Press was unable to verify its authenticity.
President Gustavo Petro tweeted on Friday that his government would provide all necessary support in what he called a “terrible tragedy.”
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This story has been corrected to show that the name of one of the cities is Quibdo, not Quibo.