Mudslides kill more than 200, sweep homes away

MOCOA, Colombia - Rescuers clawed through piles of mud and twisted debris on Sunday searching for survivors after violent mudslides destroyed homes in southern Colombia, killing more than 200 people and injuring hundreds more.

They were the latest victims of deadly floods and mudslides that have struck the Pacific side of South America over recent months, also killing scores of people in Peru and Ecuador.

In the southwestern Colombian town of Mocoa, a sudden surge of mud and water swept away homes, bridges, vehicles and trees, leaving piles of wrecked timber buried in thick mud.