Flood: Western Venezuela death toll rises to 20

On Aug 26, 2021

Over 20 people have died in the western Venezuelan state of Merida following intense rains that caused mudslides and rivers to overflow.

A ruling Socialist Party official, in Merida announced the death doll had risen and said authorities were working to restore telephone service in some areas.

State governor, Ramon Guevara said earlier that, more than 1,200 houses had been destroyed and 17 people remained missing as rescue workers search the wreckage.

According to a member of the Democratic Action opposition party, “Let’s try not to make this political or ideological. Lets all look for solutions to the problem.

“Neither the state nor municipal governments have the resources to help the affected areas, but had charged infrastructure specialists to work with Caracas on repairing buildings and roads,” he said.

Interior Minister Remigio Ceballos said that, at least 54,543 people in 87 municipalities of had been affected in addition to damaged roads and bridges.

He said the states that remain in a state of emergency were Merida, Tachira, Zulia, Apure, Amazonas, Bolivar, Delta Amacuro, Monagas and Aragua.
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.

Guevara instructed officials to organize a humanitarian aid collection post in Merida’s city center where they are receiving contributions of water, non-perishable food, clothing and blankets. Guevara also deployed health workers to the hardest hit places.

Kamila/Reuters

Flood