Huehuetenango, Guatemala—Two people were killed early Thursday when a mudslide swept down a steep mountainside, burying their home in the Huehuetenango department. The slide occurred after days of consistent rainfall rendered the soil unstable. Rescuers discovered the victims in the rubble shortly after dawn.

The weight of the mud completely flattened the structure, leaving no time for the occupants to escape. Neighbors reported hearing a sudden, hollow boom before the mountainside gave way. The debris field spans nearly one hundred meters, blocking the only access road to the community.

Emergency personnel have been struggling to reach the site due to the treacherous condition of the remaining slopes. Several heavy vehicles remain stuck on the periphery as they wait for the ground to firm up. A local disaster coordinator warned that additional slides remain a constant threat.

Civil protection officials have initiated an assessment of the surrounding hills. Residents in nearby homes have been urged to relocate to higher ground as a precaution. The area is highly prone to erosion, and this event follows a week of localized storm activity.

Communication in this isolated part of the province is unreliable, delaying the arrival of further support. Families in the community are assisting one another, though the loss of the two residents has deeply affected the village. The local municipality is currently reviewing emergency shelter options.

Geologists are surveying the ridge to determine if the integrity of the entire hillside has been compromised. The rain shows no sign of abating, complicating the stabilization of the site. Authorities have cautioned against any unauthorized movement near the base of the mountain.

The search for any further victims has been temporarily paused for safety reasons. Forensic teams are waiting for the site to be declared secure before they remove the victims for burial. Official identification will be processed once the area is clear.

The tragedy highlights the ongoing struggle for residents living in high-risk zones across the highlands. Municipal leaders are calling for urgent state support to address housing safety in the most vulnerable areas of the department.