Massive landslide in Guatemala leaves 600 people missing

A huge landslide, triggered by heavy downpours, collapsed onto Santa Catarina Pinula town, Guatemala on October 2, 2015. 30 people have been reported dead so far, and hundreds have gone missing. Rescue teams are actively sweeping the grounds in search of survivors.
Heavy rainfall on the evening of October 2 are thought to have triggered the landslide by sweeping boulders and mud over a number of houses in the town, media reports.
Video credit: Prensa Libre tv
About 125 homes have been devastated, leading to an estimate of about 600 people missing, according to Alejandro Maldonado, head of Guatemalan disaster agency CONRED.
Part of Santa Catarina Pinula town was completely covered by a large pile of mud, earth and debris. 25 people have been reported injured while 34 have been pulled out alive from the mud.
Video credit: wochit Latin America
A number of rescue workers were out in field until late night, searching the area looking for survivors and recovering bodies under piles of debris.
The landslide was among the worst ones in the recent history of landslides in Guatemala, and can, by its severity be compared to a landslide in southwestern Guatemala from October 2005, that completely buried the Panabaj village. Hundreds of people have died on the occasion and, unfortunately, a large number of bodies have never been recovered.
Featured image: Massive landslide in Guatemala, October 2, 2015. Image credit: Prensa Libre tv
If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.
Your support makes a difference
Dear valued reader,
We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.
The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.
If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.
Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum. Other support options include Patreon pledges and sending us a one-off payment using PayPal.
Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Teo Blašković
Commenting rules and guidelines
We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:
We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.