Colombian mudslide death toll rises to 254

April 2 (UPI) -- At least 254 people died and 400 more were injured in mudslides over the weekend in Colombia, the military said Sunday.

While the whereabouts of many people remain unknown, rescue workers were searching for survivors and transporting them to safety, The New York Times reported.

"The first thing I want to say is that my heart, our hearts, the hearts of all Colombians are with the victims of this tragedy," Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said as he declared a state of emergency Saturday. "We don't know yet where they are. Many people are coming to us saying, 'My son is missing, my father is missing, my mother is missing.' We are working on putting a list for the total number of people missing."

The mudslides happened with heavy rains caused three rivers around Mocoa, in Putumayo province, swelled and flooded the town with mud, CNN reported.

Initial media reports said scores of villagers had been killed after water, mud and debris flooded the city, destroying homes, businesses and the local hospital.