At least 48 people have been killed in a landslide in Antioquia province in north-west Colombia, the BBC reported Monday, citing Colombian officials.

Bodies are still being recovered and the authorities expect the number of fatalities to rise.

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 reportedly swept away when the landslide hit early on Monday.

The authorities say 27 people are injured and 30 families have been affected.