Death Toll From Guatemala Mudslide Clears 250, Hundreds Still Missing

253 people were confirmed dead after a major mudslide that buried an entire neighborhood to the southeast of Guatemala’s capital on October 1. More than 370 people remain missing as workers continue to excavate the debris, authorities said Friday.

The landslide collapsed onto more than one hundred homes in Santa Catarina Pinula following heavy rains in the region. The rescuers continue looking for bodies buried under tons of earth, rock and trees.

According to deputy public health minister Israel Lemus, the operation may be suspended by the end of the weekend due to the risk of another landslide, possible disease outbreaks and crew exhaustion. The final decision will be made on Monday.

A week has passed since the rescue operation started. Currently, 374 people are still unaccounted for, and the death toll has reached 253 people after 16 more bodies were dug out since Thursday's count, officials said.

Authorities are expected to announce whether new housing will be provided for those whose homes were damaged by the landslide. 184 homes were damaged or destroyed, and around 390 area residents have sought refuge in shelters, according to Alejandro Maldonado, head of the country's disaster coordination agency, Conred.