At least 34 people died in a landslide near the municipality of Pueblo Rico in Risaralda, located in western Colombia.
Rescue operations continue as local authorities report progress. The total number of fatalities may rise in coming hours because many people who were traveling on a bus when the landslide occurred remain unaccounted for.
Officials estimate that roughly 5,000 cubic meters of earth cascaded down the slope, burying the bus, a private car, and a motorcycle. The slide also engulfed three houses at the base of the slope.
According to the Risaralda Police, among those killed in the incident there is a child under seven years old, along with two adults who died later at Pueblo Rico Hospital.
The National Disaster Risk Management Unit (UNGRD) indicated that the landslide is likely the result of soil saturation linked to the La Niña climate pattern.
Victor Manuel Tamayo, governor of Risaralda, confirmed UNGRD data and noted that authorities have long anticipated erosion-related challenges in the affected area.
Tamayo also stated that identifying the victims is not yet possible. A team from the prosecutor’s office and other public institutions is expected to arrive at the scene to determine who the deceased are.
President Gustavo Petro expressed condolences and pledged government support to the victims and their families throughout the ongoing relief and investigative process. He also confirmed that at least three of the deceased are underage.