Guwahati News Desk: The intense torrential rains in Venezuela, has caused the death of at least 20 people in the state of Merida.
As per the recent reports, the death toll from the heavy rains that triggered severe mudslides and floods in western Venezuela has risen to 20, with 17 others still missing.
Among the hardest-hit areas due to the floods, include the state of Merida, where the Mocoties river bursted its banks and flooded a village, cutting off electricity and telephone links.
The state governor, Ramon Guevara, informed that more than nearly 1,200 houses had been destroyed due to the ongoing floods in the state.
Morever, several images of the devastating scenario were being shared on social media, that showed cars being swept down streets, buildings and businesses being filled with mud, and mudslides leaving boulders strewn across roads.
Even several towns in the area have been severely affected, including Tovar, Bailadores, Zea and Santa Cruz de Mora, and these towns are still without electricity as the floodwaters damaged the transformers.
So far 80 firefighters and 60 Civil Protection officials from Merida have been deployed for emergency operations in addition to members of the armed forces stationed in the area.
In addition, Guevara has instructed the officials to organize a humanitarian aid collection post in Merida’s city centre where they are receiving contributions of water, non-perishable food, clothing and blankets. Guevara has also deployed health workers to provide aid in the hardest-hit places.
Meanwhile, the scientists have also informed that the climate change is intensifying the risk of heavy rain around the world, because a warmer atmosphere holds more water.
Photo | Reuters