Torrential rains caused a landslide early Monday in the northwest department of Antioquia, Colombia that left at least 40 dead and an unknown number of persons missing, stated Colombian authorities.

Heavy rains caused the Liboriana creek to overflow its banks in the municipality of Salgar, causing immense destruction.

"The tragedy is of an immense magnitude, there are many more deaths, the town is completely collapsed," an official from the municipality of Salgar told Caracol radio. The official added that teams were working to find missing persons and called on help from the national government.

President Juan Manuel Santos said via his Twitter account that the federal government would provide support to the victims.

"We are attending to the emergency in Salgar. Those affected will receive all our support," he said.