Colombia landslide kills dozens, president says

At least 27 people were killed in a landslide in northwestern Colombia, President Gustavo Petro said on Monday.

What do we know so far? 

The landslide engulfed a road between the villages of Pueblo Rico and Santa Cecilia in the province of Risaralda. It trapped people in a bus and other vehicles.

"It is with sadness that I must announce that, so far, 27 people, including three minors, have lost their lives in the tragedy," Petro said.

Petro expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and pledged government support.

On Sunday evening, Petro had initially reported three dead.

Risaralda Governor Victor Manuel Tamayo said that five people had been rescued from the bus.

The bus set out from Cali in western Colombia and was carrying at least 25 passengers, civil defense officials said. Its final destination was Condoto, in Choco province.

This year's rainy season, which began in August, is Colombia's worst in 40 years. The rains have triggered catastrophic events  which have left more than 270 people dead and over 500,000 homeless, according to government statistics.

sdi/wd (AFP, Reuters)