Mudslide in Colombia leaves 52 dead after heavy rains generate river of earth and debris
Former president Alvaro Uribe, who spent part of his childhood in Salgar, rushed to the town to assist in relief efforts.
An avalanche of mud and debris roared over an alpine town in western Colombia, killing at least 52 in a flash flood and mudslide triggered by heavy rains.
Residents were stirred from bed before dawn on Monday by a loud rumble and neighbours' shouts of "The river! The river!" as modestly built homes and bridges plunged into the Libordiana ravine. Survivors barely had enough time to gather their loved ones.
"It was rocks and tree trunks everywhere," Diego Agudelo said, adding that never in 34 years living there had he suspected such a tragedy was possible.
"The river took out everything in its path," he said, including the back section of his home.
