Landslides washed away the houses in the Venezuelan village of Las Tejeras, killing at least 36 people and leaving more than 50 others missing. Among killed were two toddlers.
After initial reports put the death toll at 25, interior and justice minister Remigio Ceballos informed that the figure had increased to 36.
Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro has established a three-day period of national mourning.
“We’re trying to save whoever we can and are expressing our condolences to all those who have lost a loved one,” Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez said.
Furthermore, thousands of rescue workers are taking part in the search and rescue operations.
El Pato River flooded after extreme rains. Flooding destroyed a village around 50 kilometers southwest of Caracas, losing trees, vehicles, homes, and businesses.
In addition, the mud that coated the walls of the homes determined the level of the flood.
Also, the residents searched by hand in the thick, sticky muck for anyone who might have been able to survive. Not only that, but elite search units complete with sniffer dogs also joined them.
Hurricane Julia triggered the landslides, which passed just north of Venezuela, according to Interior Minister Remigio Ceballos.
“There was a record rainfall, as much rain in one day as is usually seen in a month,” he said.
Source: BBC