The announcement by the Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez stated that the victims of the landslide disaster increased by 36 individuals from 22 and 52 were reported missing following the landslide that occurred shortly after the heavy rains started on October 8.
It is understood that the El Pato River, which is located 64km southwest of the Venezuelan capital Caracas, also swept away several houses and shops in Las Tegeris in the state of Aragua.
President Nicolas Maduro not only ordered the Vice President, the Social Cabinet and security agencies to provide comprehensive care for the people, but also declared three days of mourning due to the difficult situation that is befalling his country.
It was explained that the rescue team is still looking for the victims who were left behind during the flood while the businessmen lost their merchandise, their crops were affected and most of their houses were washed away into the river.
According to Rodriguez, he did his best to save the victims who could be saved, but he expressed his condolences to the individuals who lost their loved ones.
Due to the La Nina* phenomenon, some parts of Venezuela were hit with more rain than usual.
*Climatic pattern depicting the cooling of surface ocean waters along the west coast of tropical South America
In fact, the banks of the El Pato river have broken and the floodwaters washed away trees, cars, houses and shops in the city which is about 50km southwest of the capital, Caracas.
A man recounted a desperate situation when his house was washed away but he survived the flood by clinging to an antenna for 40 minutes.
In the meantime, 42 deaths have been recorded as a result of the heavy rain that occurred in the last 2 weeks in various areas of the country.
And more than 3,000 emergency personnel reportedly took part in the search and rescue operation.
