Bogota, May 20 (IANS): A landslide caused by heavy rains in northwest Colombia has killed at least 78 people, according to the National Risk and Disaster Management Unit (UNGRD).

The toll might rise further as search and rescue efforts continue, Spanish news agency Efe reported.

Over 500 people in Las Margaritas in Salgar were sleeping early on Monday when mud overflowing from the Liboriana ravine poured into their homes, catching them unawares.

On Tuesday, 73 bodies were taken to the Legal Medicine institute in Medellin for identification, where 39 others have already been identified.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos sent Minister of Housing Luis Felipe Henao to Salgar to oversee rehabilitation plans.

Santos promised free houses to families who lost theirs in the disaster.

Meanwhile, UNGRD is providing humanitarian aid in the form of food, toiletries, blankets and other supplies.

One hundred and fifty-one people are now in temporary camps, while 373 more are sheltering with friends and relatives.