DHAKA: More than 50 people have been killed in a landslide in Antioquia province in north-west Colombia, officials say.

President Juan Manuel Santos said the authorities do not know how many people are still missing, reports bbc.com

Heavy rains caused the river Liboriana, in the town of Salgar, to burst its banks, triggering the landslide.

Much of the village of Santa Margarita, south-west of the provincial capital, Medellin, was swept away when the disaster hit early on Monday.

Rescue teams and residents have got together to dig through rouble in the hope of finding survivors.

After visiting the scene of the disaster, Santos declared a state of emergency and promised to rebuild the houses.

BDST: 1151 HRS, MAY 19, 2015
RS