At least 33 people, including many children, have been killed in a devastating landslide that occurred in an indigenous community in northwestern Colombia. The tragedy struck on Friday around 4pm local time as vehicles were waiting on a road that had been blocked by falling rocks. As the victims sat in their cars, an avalanche of mud and rocks swept down from a collapsing mountain, burying them beneath the debris.

The affected area is located between the cities of Quibdo, the capital of Choco department, and Medellin. Distressing footage shared on social media and television channels captured the horrifying moment when part of the mountain detached and crashed onto a line of cars, resulting in audible screams of panic.

Rescue efforts were immediately launched, with emergency services including the police, fire brigade, and military working tirelessly to locate and save survivors. The search and rescue operation continued through the night and into Saturday. However, the tragic incident resulted in the loss of life for at least 33 individuals, while an unknown number of people are still missing.

The landslide was one of three that occurred within a three-mile stretch of the road, in an area known as Las Toldas. Additionally, around 35 people have been reported injured as the mud engulfed several vehicles, causing further destruction and hindering rescue efforts.

Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba of Choco described the landslides as an "emergency of serious proportions." The governor emphasized that the extraction of bodies from the affected area is still ongoing. The exact number of fatalities and injuries are expected to rise as the search operation progresses.

Aerial support has been mobilized, with helicopters assisting ground rescue teams in reaching the affected areas. The landslides were triggered by heavy rainfall that endured for several hours, leading to the destabilization of the mountain and causing a catastrophic collapse.

Colombian president Gustavo Pedro expressed his condolences and pledged to provide all possible assistance to Choco in the aftermath of this tragic event. The entire nation mourns the loss of lives and stands in solidarity with the affected community during this difficult time.