Vice President Francia Marquez expressed deep regret, noting that the tragedy, which occurred on Friday afternoon, primarily impacted children.

The landslide covered a crucial roadway connecting the cities of Quibdo and Medellin in the Pacific province of Choco. Search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate individuals still trapped.

Dozens suffered injuries on the busy highway, and some people are reported missing as mud engulfed several vehicles. A specialized rescue group from the Colombian police is actively involved in retrieving bodies and rescuing survivors.

Seventeen bodies have been transported to Medellin, with forensic examiners identifying three of them. The road closures are hampering rescue efforts, with authorities mobilizing all available resources to assist those affected.

President Gustavo Petro expressed solidarity, stating, "All the help available is being sent to Choco in this horrible tragedy."

The landslide in Choco followed over 24 hours of intense rain, leading to the closure of the affected road by Colombia’s National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD).

While much of Colombia is grappling with a period of drought, warnings of heavy rains persist in certain regions, emphasizing the country's vulnerability to natural disasters. (ILKHA)