Massive landslide in Venezuela kills 15 people

Caracas, Venezuela: Fifteen people have been confirmed dead in landslides in Venezuela's western Mérida state. Roads in the mountain villages were turned into angry torrents after heavy rains hit the area and the Andes. Pictures taken by residents showed cars being ripped off and boulders falling over mud roads. Most of the deaths occurred in the town of Tovar, where the Mocotíes river broke its banks after hours of precipitation. Journalist Leonardo León tweeted pictures taken by a Tovar resident at the entrance to the city. In another video, a resident can be heard describing how suddenly "a river came out of nowhere" to remove a local bakery.

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The capital city of Caracas also experienced heavy flooding that caused road blockage and several other types of damage, leaving hundreds fear for their lives. However, Mérida continues to be reported as the worse hit area from the heavy rains. The administration has initiated its rescue missions to take out survivors from the debris. So far, there are no reports on how many people are missing, but the officials are examining the condition. The death toll is also expected to rise in Mérida, where everything appeared to be under the debris of landslide. Officials said electricity in Tovar was damaged, and residents had no electricity or telephone connections. It is not the first time that the Mocotíes Valley has been hit by deadly mud. In 2005, more than 40 people died, and dozens went missing in the region when some rivers overflowed.

Massive landslide in Venezuela kills 15 people

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