Guatemala City  - A mudslide killed at least 22 people in northern Guatemala, and disaster prevention officials feared the death toll could increase Monday.

At least 15 survivors were rescued from the avalanche, which covered more than one kilometre of the road in the western part of Alta Verapaz department, 200 kilometres from the Guatemala City.

"Witnesses said approximately 140 people were in the area when the mudslide occurred," Guatemalan Vice-President Rafael Espada said.

Fears of a second avalanche prompted rescue officials to call off the search for more bodies Sunday. A similar mudslide occurred in the same area two weeks earlier, leaving three people confirmed dead and three others missing. (dpa)