Landslide kills one, leaves around 50 people buried in northwestern Colombia

Landslide kills one, leaves around 50 people buried in northwestern Colombia

2010-12-06 08:55:00 GMT+7 (ICT)

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA (BNO NEWS) -- At least one people was killed and dozens were reportedly missing following a landslide in northwestern Colombian, local media reported on Sunday.

According to El Tiempo newspaper, the landslide in Medellin buried around 50 houses, trapping between 40 and 50 people, said Jhon Fredy Rendon, emergency management director for Antioquia state. As of 8 p.m. local time, one body was recovered, according to Rendon.

The landsile in the country's second largest city occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time, triggered by heavy rains in the Medellin suburb of La Gabriela Bello, and buried a playground and several businesses.

Meanwhile, Cesar Uruena, a Red Cross operations deputy director told reporters that three people have been rescued alive.

At least 176 have died in Colombia due to heavy rains and landslides so far this year.

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