Torrential rains in Venezuela kill at least 25

Torrential rains in Venezuela kill at least 25

2010-12-01 23:39:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

CARACAS, VENEZUELA (BNO NEW) — At least 25 people have died due to torrential rains across Venezuela, which has also led to over 30,000 people staying in refugees because of flooding, officials said Wednesday.

The number of deaths was confirmed by the latest report from the National Director of Civil Protection and Disaster Management, Luis Diaz Curbelo. The number represents an increase from the 21 announced by Venezuelan Vice-President Elias Jaua had on Tuesday after 4 more bodies were recovered.

Venezuela's Defense Minister Carlos Mata Figueroa said the last count revealed that 33,442 people are staying at camps, which were set up around the country because of the heavy rain. There are currently 3,000 camps that is distributing 1,133 tons of food.

In addition, Figueroa said 10,561 rescue workers have been deployed to help the disaster victims.

"We are responding to emergencies and putting complete government effort and all the resources victims deserve," Figueroa stated.

Venezuela's National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology said that in 24 hours - from Monday 8 a.m. local time to Tuesday, 8 a.m. - an average of 85 liters (22.5 gallons) of rainfall per square meter (3.2 feet) were registered to mark the country's heaviest rains for the month of November in 40 years.

The most affected regions in the country's central area include Vargas; Barlovento, Miranda; and in Caracas, La Pedrera, Antímano, Carapita, Onoto, Blandín, Petare, Maca, La Bombilla, La Dolorita and Caucaguita.

In the metropolitan area of Caracas, firefighters reported that 77 houses had been affected, 61 of them collapsing, as they aided at least 765 people.

Forecasts indicate that rainfall is expected to continue in the coming 24 hours.

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